R&D Chemist Assistant

R&D Chemist AssistantPosition Summary

The R&D Chemist Assistant supports the Research & Development Manager in the development, testing, and implementation of new products. This role is responsible for preparing laboratory batches, conducting physical and chemical testing, maintaining accurate documentation, calibrating laboratory equipment, and assisting with the successful transfer of new products into production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures, utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining a safe work environment.

• Prepare R&D laboratory batches as directed by the R&D Manager.

• Perform physical and chemical analysis on R&D formulations and document results accurately.

• Assist with product development projects, including testing, evaluation, and troubleshooting activities.

• Support the initial production runs of newly developed products and collaborate with Production and Quality Control teams to ensure successful scale-up and implementation.

• Maintain daily records of all R&D activities in designated laboratory notebooks and databases.

• Track and maintain records for new raw material samples, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

• Calibrate, maintain, and document calibration records for laboratory equipment, including:

• Instron

• QUV Weatherometer

• Metrohm Titrators

• Viscometer

• Adhesion Tester

• Gloss Meter

• Resiliometer

• FTIR

• Taber Abrasion Unit

• Ensure the R&D laboratory and surrounding work areas are kept clean, organized, and audit-ready at all times.

• Assist in maintaining laboratory inventory and supplies as needed.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the R&D Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry or Sciences

• Basic understanding of laboratory practices, chemical analysis, and testing procedures.

• Ability to accurately maintain technical records and documentation.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to work safely with chemicals and laboratory equipment while following all safety protocols.

Additional Experience:

• Experience working in a manufacturing, coatings, adhesives, polymers, or chemical production environment.

• Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as FTIR, viscometers, titrators, and material testing equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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 Santa Fe Springs,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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 [email protected] 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.