Senior Scientist Group Lead

AMVAC U.S.; Commerce (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Stock purchase option

Job summary

AMVAC is seeking a Group Leader of Analytical Sciences in Commerce, CA. Lead a high‑performing team responsible for development, validation and application of advanced analytical methods supporting R&D, manufacturing, quality and regulatory initiatives.

Drive innovation, data integrity, and regulatory excellence across the product lifecycle. The role partners with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality and Regulatory Affairs to translate analytical findings into strategic business decisions, champion

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred) or closely related scientific field.

Responsibilities

• Provide functional and technical leadership to a scientists team.
• Oversee development, validation and application of analytical methods.
• Ensure GLP/GMP/ISO regulatory compliance across product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality and Regulatory Affairs.
• Drive continuous improvement and laboratory modernization.
• Manage budgets and project timelines.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Chemistry

Regulatory compliance

Data integrity

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred)

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

GC

LC-MS/MS

Spectroscopy

Job description

Group Leader of Analytical Sciences

Group Leader – Analytical Services provides strategic and functional leadership for the Analytical Sciences organization. This role serves as the senior analytical chemistry expert, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership to advance scientific excellence, operational performance, and global regulatory compliance across the product lifecycle.

The Group Leader of Analytical Services will lead a high‑performing team responsible for the development, validation, and application of sophisticated analytical methodologies supporting research and development, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory initiatives. This leader will drive innovation in analytical capabilities, oversee complex problem solving and technical decision‑making, and ensure the highest standards of data integrity, laboratory compliance, and scientific rigor.

As a key cross‑functional partner, the Group Leader will collaborate closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs to translate complex analytical findings into strategic business solutions that support product development, commercialization, and regulatory defense. This role also champions continuous improvement, laboratory modernization, and the development of scientific talent to strengthen organizational capability and long‑term business success.

Key Responsibilities

• Functional & Technical Leadership: Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and career development for a team of scientists with advanced degrees. Foster a culture of collaboration, scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability
• Laboratory Strategy & Innovation: Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and automation to enhance the laboratory’s capabilities and throughput
• Regulatory & GLP Excellence: Supervise the preparation and technical review of analytical data packages for global regulatory submissions (EPA, OECD). Ensure the lab maintains strict adherence to GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and internal quality protocols
• Cross‑Functional Integration: Translate complex chemical findings into strategic business recommendations for R&D, Manufacturing, and regulatory compliance teams
• Lead the analytical chemistry support function for Quality Control laboratories and cross‑functional team needs, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting expertise, and strategic analytical chemistry oversight across the enterprise
• Strategic Method Development: Oversee the design and optimization of complex analytical methods (e.g., impurity profiling, structural elucidation, and trace analysis) using state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation (such as HPLC/UPLC, GC, GC‑MS/MS, LC‑MS/MS, and spectroscopy)
• Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the ultimate technical resource for troubleshooting complex analytical challenges and interpreting non‑routine data for active ingredients and formulated products
• Resource & Project Management: Manage laboratory workflows, project timelines, and the analytical budget (CAPEX/OPEX), ensuring the team has the necessary tools and guidance to meet corporate milestones.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement, identifying areas for enhancement. Implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and economy
• Staying Informed: Keeping up to date with industry trends and scientific advancements.
• Comply with all regulatory requirements
• Align and comply with all company EH&S, CHP plans and policies
• Perform additional related duties as assigned by the supervisor

Education Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred) or a closely related scientific discipline

Experience Requirements

• 8+ years of postgraduate experience in an analytical sciences environment, ideally within the Agrochemical, Pharmaceutical, or Specialty Chemical industry
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership. Proven track record of managing a technical team and leading functional lab operations
• Advanced Instrumentation Mastery: Expert‑level proficiency in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy including structural elucidation of unknowns and complex matrix analysis.
• Regulatory Fluency: Significant experience with GLP/GMP/ISO standards and the requirements for global product registration
• Analytical Problem Solving: A history of resolving critical technical bottlenecks and managing non‑conforming results through sophisticated root cause analysis
• Strong background in identifying and managing quality and compliance risks
• Excellent skills in leadership, project management, effective delegation, and budget management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate across the organization
• Willingness to travel up to 15%
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required
• Must also pass post‑offer background check and other appropriate tests as required
• This position is fully on‑site at the R&D facility in Commerce, CA

Outstanding Benefits

American Vanguard provides industry‑leading medical, dental, and vision care with very low out‑of‑pocket premiums; life and disability insurance for employees and family members; health savings account (HSA) / flexible spending account (FSA) options; 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match and employee stock purchasing plans.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AMVAC is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and values diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.