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Process Chemist Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Nutrition Chemist

Happy Valley, OR ยท On-site

$49K - $56K/yr

Propose improvements to and stabilize analytical processes. * Conduct extractions and sample ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science from a four-year college or university. * At ...

... processes through developing and proposing process improvements, and (3) contributing to further innovation to achieve the Company's mission and objectives. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: ยท Operating ...

This role combines hands-on inorganic analytical chemistry expertise with leadership ... Sample extraction and processing method development experience, particularly for complex matrices.

This role blends hands-on inorganic analytical chemistry with leadership responsibilities and ... Sample extraction and processing method development experience, particularly in food safety or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Chemist information

See Portland, OR salary details

$43.5K

$89.9K

$138.9K

How much do process chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for process chemist in Portland, OR is $89,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,600.00 and $111,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process chemist?

Process chemists are specialized scientists who develop, scale up, and optimize chemical processes for manufacturing products, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. They work to ensure that these processes are efficient, cost-effective, and safe for large-scale production. Process chemists collaborate closely with chemical engineers and production teams to transition laboratory methods to industrial-scale operations, while also addressing environmental and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Proficiency with laboratory instruments, process simulation software, and familiarity with safety and regulatory standards are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish successful candidates. These competencies ensure safe, efficient process development and scale-up, which are critical for producing high-quality chemical products.

What are some common challenges faced by process chemists when transferring a chemical process from the lab to full-scale manufacturing?

Process Chemists often encounter challenges when scaling up a reaction from the laboratory to production scale, such as maintaining product quality, ensuring safety, and optimizing yields. Variables like mixing, temperature control, and raw material variability can behave differently at larger volumes, requiring careful adjustment and troubleshooting. Close collaboration with chemical engineers, safety specialists, and production staff is essential to address these issues and ensure a smooth, efficient, and compliant manufacturing process.

What is the difference between Process Chemist vs Analytical Chemist?

AspectProcess ChemistAnalytical Chemist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production facilitiesLaboratories, research settings
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, chemicals, manufacturingPharmaceuticals, environmental testing, quality control
Job FocusOptimizing production processes, scale-up, process improvementsAnalyzing samples, testing, method development

While both roles require a chemistry background, a Process Chemist focuses on manufacturing processes and scaling production, whereas an Analytical Chemist specializes in testing and analyzing samples to ensure quality and compliance. The roles often overlap in industries like pharmaceuticals and chemicals but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

How much do process chemists make in the US?

Process chemists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, with experienced professionals and those working in specialized industries earning higher. Salaries can vary based on education, experience, location, and the complexity of processes they manage.
Infographic showing various Process Chemist job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,912 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Nutrition Chemist

Actalent

Happy Valley, OR โ€ข On-site

$49K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Nutrition ChemistJob Description

As a Nutrition Chemist, you will operate advanced analytical instrumentation such as ICP-MS, providing accurate and timely analytical services and results to clients. You will independently conduct both routine and complex analyses for various sample types, propose process improvements, and stabilize analytical processes. Your role will involve performing extractions and sample analyses in accordance with documented methods and Standard Operating Procedures, as well as troubleshooting analytical procedures and maintaining instrumentation.

Responsibilities
  • Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation such as ICP-MS.
  • Provide accurate and timely analytical services to clients.
  • Perform both simple and complex analyses for routine and non-routine samples.
  • Propose improvements to and stabilize analytical processes.
  • Conduct extractions and sample analyses as per documented methods.
  • Troubleshoot issues with analytical procedures and perform routine maintenance.
  • Analyze samples, including screening, quantitation, and reporting.
Essential Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science from a four-year college or university.
  • At least 2 years of experience in ICP-MS and metal screening.
  • Experience in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting ICP instrumentation.
  • Proficiency in analytical and extraction method troubleshooting, development, and optimization.
  • Familiarity with analytical instrumentation and data analysis software packages such as Agilent and Masshunter.
  • Expertise in sample preparation, extraction, and general bench chemistry techniques.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), chromatographic separation, GCMS, LC-MS, and data analysis.
  • Knowledge of food testing and food chemistry.
Work Environment

The position is based in a fast-paced analytical laboratory with a schedule of 9:00am – 5:30pm. You will be part of a team of six chemists. Benefits include medical and vision insurance, dental insurance, FSA, supplemental insurance, LegalShield/IDShield, 401(k), PTO, and 13 paid holidays. The company also offers designated free parking downtown and has a partnership with Adidas and Columbia employee stores. Enjoy monthly food events, summer BBQs, and a 'Kids to Work' day. Although not guaranteed, the company has historically provided an annual bonus valued at about a month's salary.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $49920.00 - $56000.00/yr.

Benefits: Medical/vision insurance (company covers 100% of EE premium and 90% of dependent and HSA- company covers 100% of premium and contributes to HSA every month), dental insurance, LTD, FSA, supplemental insurance, LegalShield/IDShield, 401(k), PTO, 13 paid holidays, and partnership with Adidas and Columbia employee store.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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 ClearlyRated 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, 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.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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