Chemist Jobs in Illinois
Chemist jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with demand concentrated in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, agricultural chemistry, and food science, covering roles from entry-level lab technicians through senior research scientists and principal chemists. Chicago, North Chicago, and Joliet are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by established employers like Abbott Laboratories, Stepan Company, and Dow in the Illinois market. The most in-demand specialties include analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry, and quality control, reflecting the state's strong pharma and industrial manufacturing base. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Our Solutions Protect Patients!
Founded in 1932, Xttrium Laboratories has been dedicated to promoting health and well-being through high-quality products. Recognized as a trusted supplier of disinfectants to hospitals and healthcare providers, Xttrium has expanded its offerings to pharmacies nationwide. With over 40 years of expertise in manufacturing FDA-registered healthcare solutions, the company is a leader in ensuring safety and quality in a health-conscious world.
Position Summary
We are seeking either a Chemist II or Chemist III within the QC Laboratory to conduct routine sample analysis and prepare with and without the use of instrumentation following official USP methods and laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Builds their knowledge and skills in evaluation of the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances for consumer product testing purposes.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducts routine analytical studies of samples and preparation with and without the use of instrumentation following official USP methods and laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols.
- Testing includes but is not limited to pH, water determination, density, titrations, viscosity, dissolution, TLC, FTIR, UV, HPLC, and GC.
- Assists in preparation, submission and filing reports on sample tests, correlation tests, calibration, validation and other projects
- Performs routine operation, maintenance, calibration, and trouble-shoots laboratory instruments / equipment
- Inputs and maintains technical information as needed to support the laboratory functions/operations
- Maintains Laboratory Notebook
- Adheres to internal standards, policies and procedures
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or related Science discipline
- 3-8 years of relevant experience in one or more of the following wet chemistry techniques; assay titrations, TLC, water determination, FTIR, HPLC, GC
- Prefer OpenLab and LabX knowledge
Required Skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail and data accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Work Environment
- Lab based role in a GMP QC laboratory
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Employment decisions are made based on skills, qualifications, and potential; never on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected trait.
Expected compensation for this role will be between $65,000 and $85,000 on a full-time basis plus applicable health and ancillary benefits offered by the company. Actual compensation will range depending on a number of factors.
Our Solutions Protect Patients!
Founded in 1932, Xttrium Laboratories has been dedicated to promoting health and well-being through high-quality products. Recognized as a trusted supplier of disinfectants to hospitals and healthcare providers, Xttrium has expanded its offerings to pharmacies nationwide. With over 40 years of expertise in manufacturing FDA-registered healthcare solutions, the company is a leader in ensuring safety and quality in a health-conscious world.
Position Summary
We are seeking either a Chemist II or Chemist III within the QC Laboratory to conduct routine sample analysis and prepare with and without the use of instrumentation following official USP methods and laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Builds their knowledge and skills in evaluation of the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances for consumer product testing purposes.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducts routine analytical studies of samples and preparation with and without the use of instrumentation following official USP methods and laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols.
- Testing includes but is not limited to pH, water determination, density, titrations, viscosity, dissolution, TLC, FTIR, UV, HPLC, and GC.
- Assists in preparation, submission and filing reports on sample tests, correlation tests, calibration, validation and other projects
- Performs routine operation, maintenance, calibration, and trouble-shoots laboratory instruments / equipment
- Inputs and maintains technical information as needed to support the laboratory functions/operations
- Maintains Laboratory Notebook
- Adheres to internal standards, policies and procedures
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or related Science discipline
- 3-8 years of relevant experience in one or more of the following wet chemistry techniques; assay titrations, TLC, water determination, FTIR, HPLC, GC
- Prefer OpenLab and LabX knowledge
Required Skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail and data accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Work Environment
- Lab based role in a GMP QC laboratory
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Employment decisions are made based on skills, qualifications, and potential; never on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected trait.
Expected compensation for this role will be between $65,000 and $85,000 on a full-time basis plus applicable health and ancillary benefits offered by the company. Actual compensation will range depending on a number of factors.
See All 24 Chemist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemist JobsChemist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chemist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Medical Devices
- Science & Research
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chemist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field
- Proficiency with analytical instruments including HPLC, GC-MS, and spectroscopy equipment
- Experience with laboratory safety protocols, GMP compliance, and regulatory documentation
- Familiarity with quality systems such as ISO, cGMP, or FDA-regulated laboratory environments
- Ability to design experiments, interpret data, and communicate findings in written technical reports
- Knowledge of chemical inventory management, hazardous waste handling, and OSHA safety standards
Chemist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chemist in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as a chemist, so the path begins with earning at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field from an accredited program. Most employers in Illinois's pharmaceutical and industrial sectors expect laboratory coursework and hands-on research experience. Pursuing American Chemical Society certification strengthens a candidate's profile and is recognized by many Illinois employers as a mark of professional competency.
How much do chemists make in Illinois?
Chemists in Illinois earn a median of about $85,230 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,740 for the lowest 10% to over $141,310 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chemists in Illinois?
Employers hiring chemists in Illinois right now include Solesence, ADM, and Arxada, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, specialty chemical producers, and food science companies means consistent hiring across a broad range of chemistry disciplines throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most chemist jobs?
North Chicago, Northbrook, and Romeoville account for the largest share of chemist openings in Illinois. Chicago drives volume through its dense cluster of research institutions, food and consumer product companies, and corporate headquarters, while North Chicago and the northern suburbs reflect the strong presence of pharmaceutical and biotech employers like Abbott and AbbVie concentrated in that corridor.
Are there remote chemist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of chemist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, since most chemistry roles require hands-on laboratory work that cannot be performed off-site. The positions most likely to offer remote flexibility are in regulatory affairs, technical writing, data analysis, or computational chemistry rather than bench research or quality control roles.
How can I get hired as a chemist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for laboratory associate or quality control technician roles at Illinois's pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturers, where on-the-job training is standard. Large Illinois employers in the pharma corridor north of Chicago run co-op and early career programs aimed at recent graduates. Completing an undergraduate research project, earning American Chemical Society student membership, or gaining any documented lab hours through internships at Illinois universities significantly strengthens an application for these entry roles.
Where can I find and apply to chemist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to chemist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 24 Chemist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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