Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Sr Analytical Scientist
MUST HAVE
- PhD in Analytical Chemistry or a related scientific field.
- At least 5 years of industry experience in analytical chemistry or a closely related discipline.
- Strong expertise in LC/MS and high‑resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), including LC‑MS/MS and LC‑HRMS.
- Deep understanding of mass spectrometry principles, fragmentation mechanisms, and structure elucidation.
- Solid organic chemistry experience with practical experience in structure confirmation of unknown compounds.
- Experience working in GLP, GMP, and ISO‑regulated laboratory environments.
- Proficiency with mass spectrometry software platforms such as Sciex OS and Thermo/Chromeleon (or similar systems).
- Demonstrated ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot LC/MS and HRMS instrumentation.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with a track record of resolving complex analytical issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and collaborating with cross‑functional teams.
- Proven mentorship and training abilities to support development of junior scientists.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with GC/MS techniques is highly desirable.
- Experience in analytical chemistry with emphasis on pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device applications.
- Familiarity with extractables and leachables (E&L) studies and related regulatory expectations.
- Experience preparing and reviewing documentation aligned with standards such as ISO‑18 and USP <1663>/<1664>.
- Ability to stay current with emerging analytical technologies and implement improvements in laboratory workflows.
- Strong collaboration skills and comfort working closely with quality assurance and cross‑functional scientific teams.
- Commitment to supporting a mission‑driven organization focused on improving public health through science.
Job Description
The Sr Analytical Scientist leads unknown compound identification using advanced mass spectrometry techniques to support pharmaceutical, medical device, and extractables and leachables (E&L) studies. This role requires deep expertise in LC/MS, strong knowledge of regulatory expectations, and the ability to provide technical leadership in solving complex analytical challenges within a cGMP/GLP testing environment focused on improving public health.
Responsibilities
- Lead unknown peak identification activities using LC/MS, LC‑MS/MS, and high‑resolution mass spectrometry (LC‑HRMS) to support pharmaceutical, medical device, and E&L studies.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot LC/MS and high‑resolution MS instruments, ensuring reliable performance and high‑quality data output.
- Interpret complex mass spectrometry data, including fragmentation patterns and structural information, to identify and confirm unknown compounds.
- Investigate and resolve analytical challenges related to methods, instrumentation, and complex sample matrices, proposing and implementing effective solutions.
- Prepare and review detailed technical reports, study protocols, and regulatory documentation in alignment with relevant guidelines such as ISO‑18 and USP <1663>/<1664>.
- Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, including quality assurance, to communicate analytical results and provide expert technical guidance.
- Mentor and train junior scientists in mass spectrometry techniques, data interpretation, and unknown identification strategies.
- Stay current with emerging analytical technologies, methodologies, and regulatory trends, and drive continuous improvement in laboratory practices and workflows.
- Support cGMP/GLP testing activities in toxicology, biocompatibility, pharmacology, analytical chemistry, and microbiology by providing advanced analytical expertise.
- Contribute to a mission‑driven culture focused on improving public health through high‑quality scientific work.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role working in a cGMP/GLP laboratory that supports toxicology, biocompatibility, pharmacology, analytical chemistry, and microbiology testing for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device clients. The position follows standard daytime hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will work with advanced LC/MS, LC‑MS/MS, high‑resolution MS (LC‑HRMS), and related analytical instrumentation, supported by software platforms such as Sciex OS and Thermo/Chromeleon. The environment emphasizes scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and collaboration, with a strong culture centered on improving public health through high‑quality analytical science.
This posting is for an existing vacancy
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Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hercules, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $64.90/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 Hercules,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 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.