Entry Level Academic Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Junior Analytical Chemist supports laboratory testing and analysis in a regulated GMP/GLP environment. This bench-focused role centers on sample preparation, routine analytical testing, and accurate data generation under the guidance of senior scientists. It offers an excellent opportunity for someone with 1–2 years of industry or strong academic laboratory experience to develop hands-on analytical expertise and grow within a quality-driven setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing using established methods such as HPLC, GC, LC/MS, ICP-MS, and ELISA.
• Prepare samples, reagents, and standards in strict accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Execute experiments and assays by following pre-validated methods and laboratory protocols.
• Accurately record, document, and report data in laboratory notebooks and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Assist with data analysis and preparation of result summaries under the supervision of senior scientists.
• Support the maintenance, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment that meets safety and quality standards.
• Assist in updating SOPs and supporting documentation as needed to reflect current practices.
• Collaborate with team members to support project timelines, deliverables, and overall laboratory goals.

• 1–2 years of laboratory experience, preferably in an industry setting or with strong academic laboratory experience.
• Hands-on familiarity with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, and UV-based systems.
• Foundational knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and techniques.
• Basic understanding of working in GMP/GLP environments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data recording and documentation.
• Ability to follow defined procedures and SOPs consistently and reliably.
• Capability to manage multiple samples and tasks in a fast-paced laboratory setting.
• Effective collaboration skills and willingness to work under the guidance of senior scientists.

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Experience with additional analytical techniques such as LC/MS, ICP-MS, and ELISA.
• Interest in operating within a regulated GMP/GLP laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload across multiple projects.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and interacting with team members.

This position is fully onsite in a bench-based wet laboratory environment five days a week. You will work in a regulated GMP/GLP setting that emphasizes safety, quality, and compliance. The role involves extensive hands-on work with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, LC/MS, ICP-MS, ELISA platforms, and UV-based systems, as well as routine handling of reagents, samples, and standards. The laboratory environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, with a strong focus on maintaining clean, organized workspaces and adhering to established procedures and documentation practices.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Hercules,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.