Analytical Chemist - AKTA Specialist

** Analytical Chemist – AKTA Specialist*
* Actalent – Noblesville, IN (Permanent, Full‑time)

Pay Range: $80,000 – $100,000 per year
Benefits: Medical, dental & vision;
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital; 401(k) with pre‑tax and Roth options;
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D);
Short and long‑term disability;
Health Spending Account (HSA);
Transportation benefits;
Employee Assistance Program;
Paid time off (PTO, Vacation, Sick Leave)

We are seeking an innovative and highly skilled Analytical Chemist – Chromatography Systems Scientist to join our Advanced Materials Purification Team. The role requires expertise in ATKA Chromatography, Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC), and scale‑up processes. The successful candidate will operate and optimize automated chromatography platforms for the aqueous separation of high‑value inorganic compounds and advance the development of solvent‑free purification workflows for specialty metals and oxides.

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain automated chromatography systems and control software for metal separation and purification.
• Design and refine separation methods using ion‑exchange, chelating, or size‑based column technologies.
• Prepare and condition columns for use with acidic, high‑ionic‑strength, or complex aqueous solutions.
• Execute gradient and stepwise elution protocols while monitoring conductivity, pH, UV absorbance, and flow rates.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams to transition lab‑scale methods to pilot and production environments.
• Conduct mass balance assessments and generate recovery/purity profiles to support process validation.
• Maintain detailed records of runs, chromatograms, and standard operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot system components—including fluidics, detectors, and valves—to ensure consistent performance.
• Train lab personnel on chromatography setup, operation, and maintenance best practices.
• Support integration of analytical data with digital systems for automated reporting and process control.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• At least 1 year of hands‑on experience with Cytiva AKTA Chromatography, automated chromatography systems, and control software.
• Solid understanding of aqueous separation chemistry and metal purification techniques.
• Experience with buffer preparation, column packing, and method optimization.
• Strong documentation and troubleshooting capabilities.

• Experience in laboratory refining of rare‑earths, lithium, or other strategic metals.
• Familiarity with chromatography scale‑up and continuous separation systems.
• Knowledge of trace analysis tools such as ICP‑MS or ICP‑OES.
• Exposure to process analytical technology and automated fraction collection systems.

The position is based in a lab and pilot‑scale setting focused on advanced separation technologies. Regular handling of aqueous solutions containing acids, salts, and chelating agents is required, alongside strict adherence to safety and contamination‑control protocols. Frequent collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in R&D and process development is also part of the work environment.

Permanent position based in Noblesville, IN.

Entry level

Full‑time

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

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Actalent is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please email actalentaccom for assistance.

Apply directly via email to with an updated resume and a brief statement of interest. Phone and email interviews are conducted promptly; all candidates will be considered within 24 hours of applying.