Analytical Chemistry Technician

Job Title: Analytical Chemistry Technician

Biotechnology company in Santa Monica is looking for an analytical chemistry technician to join their team! ENTRY-LEVEL candidates are welcome to apply!

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY IS REQUIRED!

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity to support a fast-growing agricultural technology company by performing analytical and wet chemistry testing in a laboratory focused on pesticide control and pheromone-based crop protection. The Analytical Chemistry Technician will carry out routine chemical analyses, support sample preparation and batching, maintain accurate laboratory records, and contribute to a collaborative team that values learning, growth, and cross-functional work.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine chemical and analytical testing to support pesticide control and pheromone-based research and production.
• Conduct laboratory tasks including weighing, pipetting, handling solvents, and performing wet chemistry procedures.
• Prepare samples for analysis, including batching, labeling, and organizing samples according to established protocols.
• Operate analytical instruments as needed to support testing and analysis, following standard operating procedures.
• Record all experimental procedures, observations, and results in an up-to-date and accurate laboratory notebook.
• Use Excel to enter, organize, and maintain experimental data, results, and reports.
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures when working with chemicals, solvents, and analytical instruments.
• Collaborate closely with team members across different functions, contributing to a supportive and team-focused environment.
• Assist with multiple tasks beyond analytical testing as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to wear multiple hats.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory processes and contribute ideas that enhance efficiency and data quality.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on laboratory experience in analytical chemistry, wet chemistry, or related chemistry-focused work (minimum of 6 months of lab experience required).
• Practical experience with weighing, pipetting, and handling solvents in a laboratory setting.
• Experience performing wet chemistry techniques, including solution preparation, titrations, and related procedures.
• Experience with sample preparation, batching, and conducting chemical analyses in a lab environment.
• Ability to work with analytical instruments and follow standard operating procedures for testing.
• Proficiency in maintaining an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook.
• Basic proficiency with Excel for recording, organizing, and analyzing experimental data.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety protocols and handle chemicals and solvents responsibly.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and consistency in experimental work and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Industry experience in a laboratory setting, particularly in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or environmental testing environments, is preferred.
• Experience working in insect, bug, or animal laboratories is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with GC (Gas Chromatography) and HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) instrumentation is a plus.
• Interest in agricultural technology, pheromone-based crop protection, or related fields.
• Willingness to grow into roles with increasing responsibility, such as assistant scientist, associate scientist, and scientist over time.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills in a close-knit environment.
• Motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic start-up setting where responsibilities may evolve.

Work Environment

This is a 100% onsite role with a typical schedule of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some flexibility as needed. The position is based in a laboratory environment within a start-up company that focuses on agricultural technology and pheromone-based crop protection. The team operates in a close-knit, collaborative culture where colleagues motivate and support each other, and there is a strong emphasis on learning, career development, and growth. The organization offers clear advancement opportunities, with a typical path from technician to assistant scientist, associate scientist, and scientist. As a pioneer in its field, the company provides exposure to innovative technologies and methods, and team members often wear multiple hats, contributing beyond the analytical team to various aspects of laboratory and operational work. The environment encourages initiative, flexibility, and a team-focused mindset.

• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Santa Monica, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Santa Monica,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 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.