Mass-Spec Analytical Chemistry Scientist

Certified Group; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Certified Group is seeking a scientist to lead high‑complexity analytical testing in support of regulatory proposals. The role demands hands‑on operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of GC–MS and related instrumentation.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MSc in Chemistry with 5+ years of GC–MS experience, including data interpretation, method development, forced degradation, and QA/QC trend analysis. Strong communication in English is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Chemistry with 5+ years of GC-MS experience.
• Experience with GC-MS and LC‑qTOF data interpretation and reporting.
• Proficiency in QA/QC metrics and method performance evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot GC-MS/LC‑MS systems and related instrumentation.
• Prepare samples, including forced degradation and stability testing.
• Develop and optimize analytical methods for high‑complexity testing.
• Interpret chromatograms and mass spectra; document results and issues.
• Generate technical records, validation summaries, and performance reports.
• Collaborate with teams and communicate findings to technical and non‑technical audiences.

Skills

GC-MS

LC-qTOF

Mass spectrometry

Data analysis

Education

PhD / MSc in Chemistry

Tools

Agilent instruments

Job description

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise - So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

• Certified Laboratories - Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
• Labstat - A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group - A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit - Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary:

The Scientist will serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert responsible for high-complexity analytical testing in support of an FDA proposal. The role requires extensive hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation, including GC-MS platform.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Preparation of test samples for analysis including forced degradation and stability testing
• Independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical systems.
• Perform routine and advanced instrument maintenance, including column replacement, and performance verification.
• Diagnose complex instrument and method performance issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Serve as a technical resource for instrument performance, repairs, vendor interactions, and troubleshooting support.
• Maintain accurate and complete technical records.
• Evaluate and trend QA/QC metrics, including internal standards, surrogates, blanks, laboratory control samples, matrix spikes/matrix spike duplicates, and calibration criteria (where applicable).
• Assist in developing technical documentation, validation summaries, method performance studies, and related reports.

Education & Experience:

• PhD/MSc, Chemistry; 5+ years of experience
• GC-MS technology specializing in NTA (Non-targeted Analysis) for the identification of unknowns
• Estimated 498 NTA analysis
• 228 Forced Degradation replicates over 2 months (38 Sample Types X 3 Replicates X 2 Conditions/Timepoint variants)
• 270 Stability Study replicates (over 12 months)

Required Technical Qualifications

• Advanced technical understanding of GC-MS and/or LC-qTOF theory, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of advanced chromatography techniques, including GC-MS and/or LC-qTOF.
• Experience with Agilent systems.
• Experience in advanced chromatography techniques, method development, routine testing, problem solving, and unknown determination.
• Ability to read and interpret chromatograms, mass spectra, analytical reports, and method performance data.
• Manual dexterity required for instrument maintenance and sample preparation.

Communication and Work Style Expectations

• Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written, for technical documentation, reporting of experimental results, and oral presentations.
• Ability to present technical concepts and simulated or experimental results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Well organized and able to work independently to complete projects, while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to support high-complexity analytical testing through sound judgment, attention to detail, and proactive problem solving.

The compensation details provided below reflect the expected pay range for this role, based on the selected compensation structure and applicable guidelines. Actual pay within this range may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. Additional components of total rewards - such as bonuses, benefits, or incentives - may also apply where applicable.

Salary Range for Pay Transparency: $85,000 CAD - $110,000 CAD

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.