Job Information
Actalent **Analytical Development Chemist** in Saint Louis, Missouri
Development Chemist
Job Description
We are seeking a chemist with strong, hands-on experience in Ion Chromatography (IC) to support advanced analytical testing and method development within the quality control laboratory. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting IC instrumentation—preferably systems such as Dionex/Thermo ICS platforms.
PAY - $28 - $35/HOUR
Responsibilities
Execute hands-on ion chromatography (IC) analyses including raw material qualification, formulation development, impurity profiling, and reaction monitoring.
Develop, optimize, and document new IC methods for anion and cation analysis, including selection of columns, suppressors, eluents, gradients, and detection parameters.
Collaborate closely with other team members to design analytical approaches that support new product development and scale-up activities.
Perform eluent preparation, suppressor configuration, and system conditioning, ensuring reproducible and robust separations across development studies.
Troubleshoot IC system and method issues such as baseline drift, poor resolution, peak tailing, pressure fluctuations, suppressor performance failures, or contamination events, making real-time adjustments to keep projects moving.
Evaluate and implement method changes or enhancements to improve sensitivity, selectivity, throughput, or robustness as needs evolve.
Perform preliminary method qualification or validation experiments (accuracy, precision, linearity, detection limits) to ensure methods are suitable for downstream or regulatory use.
Interpret and trend IC data using Chromatography Data Systems (e.g., Chromeleon), providing scientifically sound conclusions and recommendations to project teams.
Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, development reports, and SOP drafts to support technology transfer into Quality or Manufacturing.
Support instrument maintenance and performance verification, including routine checks, preventative maintenance, and coordination with vendors.
Participate in cross-functional meetings to explain analytical findings, limitations, and risk considerations related to IC methods and data.
Essential Skills
Proficiency in ion chromatography (IC) and analytical chemistry.
Experience with method validation, GMP, quality control, and research & development.
BS Degree or advanced degrees accepted.
2–5+ years of direct IC experience, including method development, validation, and routine sample analysis.
Proficiency in anion and cation analysis, eluent preparation, suppressor technologies, gradient/separation optimization, and quantitative data interpretation.
Strong understanding of conductivity and electrochemical detection, suppressor operation, and system suitability requirements.
Ability to troubleshoot instrument issues such as pressure fluctuations, baseline instability, suppressor failure, and contamination.
Experience with chromatography data systems (CDS) such as Chromeleon or similar platforms.
Work Environment
The role is situated in a quality lab environment within a specialty chemical company. Most products are powdered in nature and could leave a dusty residue. The position operates on a Monday to Friday day shift schedule with flexible hours, maintaining a 40-hour work week.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 9, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.