Analytical Chemist - AKTA Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Position Overview

We’re seeking a skilled and forward-thinking Chromatography Systems Scientist to join our advanced materials purification team. This role centers on operating and optimizing automated chromatography platforms for aqueous separation of high-value inorganic compounds. The ideal candidate will integrate chemical analysis, process engineering, and automation to support the development and scale-up of solvent-free purification workflows for specialty metals and oxides.

Key Responsibilities

Operate, calibrate, and maintain ÄKTA chromatography systems and UNICORN control software for aqueous metal separation and purification.

Operate and maintain automated chromatography systems and control software for metal separation and purification.

Design and refine separation methods using ion-exchange, chelating, or size-based column technologies.

Prepare and condition columns for use with acidic, high-ionic-strength, or complex aqueous solutions.

Execute gradient and stepwise elution protocols while monitoring conductivity, pH, UV absorbance, and flow rates.

Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams to transition lab-scale methods to pilot and production environments.

Conduct mass balance assessments and generate recovery / purity profiles to support process validation.

Maintain detailed records of runs, chromatograms, and standard operating procedures.

Troubleshoot system components including fluidics, detectors, and valves to ensure consistent performance.

Train lab personnel on chromatography setup, operation, and maintenance best practices.

Support integration of analytical data with digital systems for automated reporting and process control.

Qualifications

Required :

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

1+ years Experience with Cytiva AKTA Chromatography

Solid understanding of aqueous separation chemistry and metal purification techniques.

Experience with buffer preparation, column packing, and method optimization.

Strong documentation and troubleshooting capabilities.

Preferred :

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline.

Experience in refining rare-earths, lithium, or other strategic metals.

Familiarity with chromatography scale-up and continuous separation systems.

Knowledge of trace analysis tools such as ICP-MS or ICP-OES.

Exposure to process analytical technology and automated fraction collection systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Noblesville, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $48.00 / 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 Noblesville,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 4, 2025.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.