Analytical Chemist — LC-MS, GC-MS & ICP-MS

Anresco NJ Labs; West Carteret (NJ); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical/dental/vision benefits

401(k)

Professional development

Job summary

Anresco NJ Labs seeks an Analytical Chemist to run, troubleshoot, and develop LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS methods in a fast-paced, GMP environment.

You will interpret data across pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, hemp/CBD, and other matrices, defend results in audits, and mentor junior analysts for quality-focused outputs.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related.
• Hands-on experience operating LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS (two with willingness to cross-train on third)
• Proficiency with vendor software such as MassHunter, TraceFinder, MassLynx/Empower, Analyst/OS, Syngistix
• Knowledge of cGMP, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, FDA 21 CFR Part 11/210/211, USP, EPA, AOAC methods
• Strong data integrity discipline and SOP/method validation writing experience
• Excellent critical-thinking and troubleshooting skills
• Clear written and verbal communication to defend results

Responsibilities

• Run, troubleshoot, and develop LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS methods.
• Interpret data across pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, hemp/CBD, and other matrices.
• Write protocols, SOPs, and validation reports; transfer methods to compendial standards.
• Interpret chromatograms and mass spectra; investigate anomalies and document OOS/OOT.
• Maintain instrument logs, calibrations, and preventive maintenance; manage data integrity.
• Mentor junior analysts and support client and regulatory audits.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

LC-MS/GC-MS/ICP-MS

cGMP/ISO 17025

SOP writing

Data integrity ALCOA+

Regulatory audits

Critical thinking

Communication

Education

Chemistry degree (B.S./M.S.)

Tools

Mass spectrometry software

LIMS familiarity

Job description

Analytical Chemist — LC-MS, GC-MS & ICP-MS

Analytical Chemist — LC-MS, GC-MS & ICP-MS

• Location: Middlesex, NJ (on-site)
• Department: Analytical Chemistry
• Reports to: Laboratory Manager
• Employment: Full-time
• Schedule: Day shift, with occasional weekend coverage
• Level: Open (mid-level through senior)

About Anresco NJ Labs

Anresco NJ Labs is a full-service, FDA- and DEA-inspected, ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited, cGMP analytical chemistry and microbiology contract laboratory. With more than 85 years of analytical heritage behind us, we serve clients across the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, dietary supplement, cosmetic, chemical, and hemp/CBD industries — performing compendial (USP, EP, JP, BP) testing, batch release and stability work, method development, validation, verification and transfer, and FDA deficiency response.

Our work is rarely routine. Each day brings new sample matrices, new products, and new analytical questions — from raw materials and APIs to finished dosage forms, botanical extracts, and novel formulations. We are looking for a scientist, not a button-pusher: someone who is energized by the next unfamiliar sample on the bench.

The Role

As an Analytical Chemist on our mass-spectrometry team, you will run, troubleshoot, and develop methods on advanced LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS platforms. You will work across multiple client projects in parallel — interpreting data, defending results, and frequently being the first person to analyze a brand-new product. The role demands strong critical thinking, sound judgment under cGMP, and genuine curiosity about chemistry, instrumentation, and the science behind every result we report.

This is a hands-on bench role with real intellectual range. You will not be doing the same assay every day.

What You'll Do

• Run advanced MS analyses — Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot LC-MS (single-quad, triple-quad, Q-TOF/Orbitrap-class), GC-MS (single-quad and MS/MS, headspace and direct injection), and ICP-MS instrumentation for routine and non-routine analyses.
• Analyze a wide sample range — Quantitative and qualitative work across pharmaceuticals (APIs, excipients, finished products), nutraceuticals, botanicals, cosmetics, hemp/CBD, and chemical samples — including assay, impurities, residual solvents, nitrosamines, elemental impurities (USP <232>/<233>, ICH Q3D), pesticides, mycotoxins, and trace metals.
• Develop and validate methods — Develop, optimize, validate, verify, and transfer methods to compendial standards (USP, EP, JP, BP) and to ICH, FDA, EPA, and AOAC requirements. Write protocols, method SOPs, and validation reports.
• Think, don't just acquire — Interpret chromatograms and mass spectra critically — investigate anomalies, identify root causes, propose corrective actions, and document deviations and OOS/OOT events under cGMP and ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
• Learn continuously — Stay current on emerging compounds, regulatory updates, and new compendial methods, and bring that learning back to the team. Each new product is an opportunity to extend our scope.
• Own your instruments — Maintain instrument logs, calibration, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), preventive maintenance, and consumable inventory. Drive small improvements that reduce downtime and increase data quality.
• Defend your data — Generate audit-ready, defensible data with proper data integrity (ALCOA+), participate in client and regulatory audits, and support investigations and CAPAs.
• Help others grow — Mentor junior analysts, peer-review data, and contribute to a collaborative, quality-first lab culture.

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• B.S. or M.S. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands‑on experience operating and maintaining at least two of the following: LC‑MS, GC‑MS, ICP‑MS — with willingness and aptitude to cross‑train on the third.
• Demonstrated proficiency with vendor software such as Agilent MassHunter, TraceFinder, Waters MassLynx /Empower, SCIEX Analyst / OS, and PerkinElmer Syngistix.
• Working knowledge of cGMP, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 / 210 / 211, USP general chapters (<621>, <232>/<233>, <467>, <1058>, etc.), EPA, ACH methods, ICH guidelines, and AOAC methods relevant to your sample types.
• Strong data integrity discipline (ALCOA+), with experience writing SOPs, method validation protocols, and investigation reports.
• Excellent critical‑thinking and troubleshooting skills — the ability to look at a peak, a baseline, or an unexpected result and ask the right next question.
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to defend results to clients, auditors, and regulatory inspectors.

Preferred:

• Experience with LIMS (e.g., LabWare, STARLIMS, LabVantage, Benchling, or similar) and electronic lab notebooks.
• Method development from scratch on novel matrices — botanicals, cannabis/hemp, supplements, or complex finished products.
• Experience with high‑resolution / accurate‑mass MS (Q‑TOF, Orbitrap) for unknown identification, nitrosamine impurity analysis, or extractables & leachables.
• Familiarity with sample preparation techniques: SPE, QuEChERS, microwave digestion, derivatization, headspace and SPME.
• DEA‑controlled substance handling experience.
• Background in compendial testing (USP/EP/JP/BP) and FDA deficiency‑response work.

You’ll Thrive Here If

• You get bored doing the exact same assay every day, and you're energized by problems that don't have a textbook answer.
• You read method papers and application notes for fun — and bring ideas back to the team.
• You're comfortable saying “I don't know yet, but here's how I'll find out.”
• You take pride in defensible data and clean documentation, not just in getting a peak to integrate.
• You want to grow into method development, technical leadership, or a subject‑matter-expert role over time.

What We Offer

• Exposure to an unusually broad sample portfolio — pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, hemp/CBD, chemical, and dietary supplements — under one roof.
• A modern instrument fleet (LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC/UPLC, GC/GC-HS, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer, TOC and more) and the budget to keep it current.
• A culture that prizes scientific judgment, mentoring, and continual learning over rote production.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive medical/dental/vision benefits, 401(k), paid time off, and ongoing professional‑development support (training, conferences, certifications).

Anresco NJ Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive scientific team. Reasonable accommodationswill be made for qualified candidates with disabilities.