Analytical Chemist (Contract to Perm)

Enigma Search; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Enigma Search is seeking an Analytical Chemist (Contract to Perm) for an onsite role in Pleasanton, CA. You will lead hands-on analytical development to advance next-generation formulation platforms, focusing on robust HPLC/UPLC methods and early-stage validation.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in pharma/biotech analytics, strong wet chemistry skills, and the ability to independently drive data interpretation and documentation in a fast-paced startup setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or closely related field.
• 7–10 years of hands-on pharmaceutical/biotech analytical development experience.
• Proven expertise with HPLC/UPLC method development, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Strong wet chemistry and physicochemical characterization skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and qualify robust analytical methods (HPLC/UPLC) for drug substance and product.
• Execute fit-for-purpose method validation activities.
• Perform routine analytical testing to support formulation development.
• Conduct titrations, solubility, pH profiling, and dissolution studies.
• Apply solid-state characterization techniques as needed.
• Troubleshoot methods and instrumentation.
• Analyze and document experimental data; write technical reports.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists and CDMO/CRO partners.
• Assist lab build-out and equipment onboarding.

Skills

HPLC/UPLC method development

Method validation

Troubleshooting

Analytical data analysis

Documentation/writing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry

Tools

LC-MS

Job description

About the job Analytical Chemist (Contract to Perm)

About Our Client

Our client is an innovative, early-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation formulation technologies designed to dramatically improve the pharmacokinetic performance of small molecule therapeutics. By unlocking new delivery options and creating highly differentiated products, their proprietary formulation platform is transforming how critical therapies reach patients.

Operating in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, they offer an culture driven by scientific curiosity, hands‑on impact, and rapid translation from the bench to the clinic.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a hands‑on, highly motivated Analytical Chemist to generate high-quality analytical data and help advance our client's core formulation technology platform. This is a high‑impact, onsite role in a growing startup lab environment, where you will contribute directly to both day‑to‑day analytical execution and the ongoing build‑out of their laboratory capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Method Development: Develop, optimize, and qualify robust analytical methods (primarily HPLC/UPLC) for both drug substance and drug product.
• Early‑Stage Validation: Execute fit‑for‑purpose method validation activities tailored for early‑stage development programs.
• Formulation Support: Perform routine and complex analytical testing to directly support ongoing formulation development and optimization.
• Physicochemical Characterization: Conduct wet chemistry analyses (such as titrations) and perform key physicochemical characterization, including solubility testing, pH profiling, and dissolution.
• Solid‑State Analysis: Apply solid‑state characterization techniques as needed to analyze new drug forms.
• Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation to ensure the highest standards of robustness and reproducibility.
• Data & Documentation: Analyze, interpret, and clearly document experimental data. Author technical reports, analytical methods, and internal documentation.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with formulation scientists, process development engineers, and external CDMO/CRO partners.
• Lab Build‑out: Actively support lab setup, equipment onboarding, and operational readiness in an evolving startup ecosystem.

What You Bring

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field.
• Experience: 7–10 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical or biotech analytical development.
• Technical Expertise: Strong, demonstrable experience with HPLC/UPLC method development, validation, and advanced troubleshooting.
• Wet Chemistry & Characterization: Solid proficiency in wet chemistry techniques and familiarity with physicochemical and solid‑state characterization.
• Startup Mindset: Exceptional data analysis, documentation, and technical writing skills with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, nimble startup environment.

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting early‑stage CMC or 505(b)(2) drug development pathways.
• Familiarity with dissolution testing, impurity profiling, or formal stability studies.
• Technical exposure to LC‑MS or other advanced analytical techniques.
• Past experience managing or transferring methods to external CROs/CDMOs.