Scientist I - Materials Science & Characterization

Scientist I
Materials Science & Characterization

LOCATION: Onsite • North Chicago, IL
SCHEDULE:Monday–Friday • 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
CONTRACT: Initial 1-year term • Extension possible          
PAY RANGE: $39–$43/hour • Based on medical benefit election

The Opportunity
Orion Project Services is teaming with a market-leading pharmaceutical company to identify a motivated Scientist I for its Materials Science & Characterization team. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to pharmaceutical development, laboratory investigations, and technical problem-solving across the product lifecycle.

In this role, you will apply microscopy, microanalysis, spectroscopy, and physical characterization techniques to evaluate materials, investigate product- and process-related questions, and generate high-quality scientific data that informs development decisions.

Responsibilities

• Support characterization studies of pharmaceutical materials across development programs and root-cause investigations.
• Perform optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), imaging, and spectroscopy-based testing, including IR and Raman techniques.
• Conduct physical characterization using one or more techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), particle-size analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD).
• Interpret data and communicate findings through presentations, technical discussions, and clear scientific documentation.
• Assist with data trending, root-cause analysis, and technical problem-solving.
• Document experimental work accurately and promptly in an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN).
• Support method execution, troubleshooting, and data review as needed.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science with relevant laboratory experience, or a Master of Science in a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience with one or more relevant techniques: optical microscopy, SEM, IR or Raman imaging/spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, DVS, particle-size analysis, or XRPD.
• Strong communication and documentation skills, with the ability to explain scientific findings clearly.
• A learning mindset, sound attention to detail, and the ability to adapt in a continuously changing environment.

Why This Role

You’ll work at the intersection of analytical science and pharmaceutical development, contributing data and insights that help teams understand materials, resolve technical challenges, and advance important development programs.


People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.