Analytical Instruments Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Analytical Chemist – QC Laboratory

Hourly • Part-Time or Full-Time • Flexible Schedule

About Stix

 A premier Midwest manufacturer of botanical oils and cannabidiol (CBD) products. Based in Wheeling, Illinois, we operate a cGMP-aligned processing facility with a focus on quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. Our team is small, collaborative, and committed to producing best-in-class products.

The Role

We are seeking an Analytical Chemist to lead day-to-day operations in our QC laboratory. The chemist will perform sample intake and preparation, run analyses on our Agilent HPLC and GC-MS instruments, interpret raw data, and generate certificates of analysis. There is opportunity to be trained on our Agilent Q-TOF system for advanced method development and accurate-mass work, prior Q-TOF experience is welcomed but not required.

This position is structured as an hourly role and can be filled on a part-time or full-time basis. The schedule is flexible. The opportunity is well-suited to an experienced chemist including a semi-retired or returning professional who wants meaningful, hands-on lab work without the demands of a corporate career track.

Key Responsibilities

• Sample preparation and testing — Prepare and analyze samples (cannabinoid potency, terpenes, residual solvents, and related panels) in a timely, accurate manner.

• Instrumentation — Operate and maintain Agilent HPLC and GC-MS systems, including routine tuning, calibration, column changes, and source cleaning.

• Data analysis and reporting — Review and interpret chromatographic data using OpenLab and MassHunter; generate certificates of analysis and internal reports.

• Method development — Develop, validate, and document analytical methods for new sample types and product formats.

• Documentation and compliance — Maintain laboratory documentation in alignment with cGMP and data-integrity (ALCOA+) principles, including SOPs, logbooks, calibration records, and chain-of-custody.

• Collaboration — Partner with production and operations to investigate out-of-specification results and support process improvements.

• Q-TOF (training provided) — Opportunity to be trained on our Agilent Q-TOF platform for high-resolution accurate-mass work; prior experience is a plus but not required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related analytical science.

• Hands-on working experience with HPLC and GC-MS, including sample preparation, system suitability, and routine maintenance.

• Comfort with analytical software (Agilent OpenLab and MassHunter preferred; equivalent platforms acceptable).

• Working knowledge of analytical fundamentals: calibration curves, peak integration, LOD/LOQ, internal standards, and basic method validation.

• Familiarity with standard lab equipment — analytical balances, centrifuges, vortex shakers, pH meters, moisture analyzers — and safe handling of common solvents (methanol, acetone, heptane, etc.).

• Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation discipline.

• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot effectively, and communicate clearly with a small team.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in cannabis, hemp, botanical, pharmaceutical, food, or environmental testing laboratories.

• Familiarity with cGMP (21 CFR 111 / 211), ISO/IEC 17025, or USP general chapters.

• Experience with method validation per ICH Q2(R1) and/or analytical method transfer.

• Exposure to Q-TOF or other high-resolution mass spectrometry (we will train).

• Experience with LIMS or electronic lab notebooks.

Schedule and Compensation

• Hourly position, part-time or full-time, depending on candidate availability.

• Flexible weekday schedule; specific hours to be agreed upon at offer.

• Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–30 lbs and place items onto waist-high surfaces.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and to bend or crouch as needed for instrument access.

• Ability to wear required PPE (lab coat, safety glasses, gloves) for the duration of the shift.

Equal Opportunity

Stix Enterprises, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experience levels, including returning and semi-retired professionals. Employment is contingent on the successful completion of any background checks and industry-required screenings.

To apply, please submit a résumé and a brief note describing your hands-on experience with HPLC and GC-MS, and your preferred schedule (part-time or full-time).