R&d Chemist

Job Title:

R&D Chemist

Job Description

We are seeking a Chemist II to join our team and work alongside another Chemist in conducting high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other solid dosage testing on nutraceutical products. The role involves data entry into LIMS and other software, running HPLC assays primarily with Shimadzu instrumentation, and ordering and purchasing for the lab.

Responsibilities

+ Conduct finished product stability studies as a primary responsibility.

+ Perform routine analytical testing using small molecule HPLC.

+ Organize and prepare samples for external contract labs.

+ Support method development and validation.

+ Assist with small-scale stability studies and occasional formulation work under direct supervision.

+ Order lab reagents and supplies as needed.

+ Assist with hazardous waste disposal.

+ Maintain lab cleanliness and organization.

+ Complete detailed documentation for stability study interval testing, which is fully electronic and does not require lab notebooks.

+ Contribute to product development and other non-routine tasks based on experience level.

Essential Skills

+ Expertise in analytical chemistry and quality control.

+ Proficiency in HPLC, particularly with Shimadzu instrumentation.

+

Experience with solid dosage and wet chemistry.

+ Familiarity with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical testing.

+ Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry.

+ 5-10 years of experience as a chemist, either in quality or R&D settings.

+

Experience with GMP, development, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical environments.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ 3-5 years of experience specifically in HPLC assay testing in a lab environment, preferably in R&D.

+

Experience with finished product testing is a significant advantage.

+

Experience with botanicals is a huge plus.

Work Environment

The position is based onsite at the Mission Viejo location. The work culture values organization, independence, and the ability to plan ahead and multitask. The team consists of one full-time Chemist, one part-time Chemist, and the R&D Manager, with a total of about 12 people onsite. The schedule is Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mission Viejo, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Mission Viejo,CA.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a Clearly Rated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,…