Analytical Scientist, PhD — Bioanalytical & LC/MS Expert

Pivotal; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and equity

401k Match 4%

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Pivotal in San Diego seeks an Analytical Scientist (Ph.D.) to develop and validate analytical methods for proteins, RNA, lipids, and LNP components using LC/MS. You will troubleshoot instruments, design experiments, and interpret complex data to support research, process development, and regulatory submissions.

The role requires deep LC/MS expertise, strong problem-solving, and the ability to communicate results effectively across teams in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• 3+ years of industry or postdoctoral experience in bioanalytical method development and characterization of biopharmaceuticals, nucleic acids, or lipid-based drug products.
• Extensive hands-on experience with LC/MS platforms (Q-TOF, Orbitrap, or triple quadrupole) for protein, oligonucleotide, and/or lipid analysis.
• Proficiency in chromatographic techniques (RP-HPLC, SEC, IEX, HILIC) and associated data analysis software (e.g., MassLynx, Xcalibur, Empower, BioPharma Finder, UNIFI).
• Strong understanding of protein characterization (intact mass, peptide mapping, glycosylation, disulfide mapping) and/or nucleic acid analysis (RNA integrity, modification mapping, sequence confirmation).
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, interpret complex datasets, and communicate results clearly in written and oral formats.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for the characterization of proteins (e.g., Cas9, antibody constructs), mRNA, gRNA, and lipid components using LC/MS (intact mass, peptide mapping, oligonucleotide analysis, lipidomics).
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot LC/MS instrumentation (e.g., Q-TOF, Orbitrap, triple quadrupole) and associated sample preparation workflows.
• Develop and execute orthogonal analytical methods including but not limited to HPLC/UPLC (RP, SEC, IEX, HILIC), capillary electrophoresis, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, and fluorescence-based assays.
• Characterize LNP drug product attributes including lipid composition and ratios, encapsulation efficiency, RNA integrity, protein identity and purity, and post-translational or chemical modifications.
• Support formulation development, process development, and stability studies by providing timely, high-quality analytical data and interpretation.
• Author and review analytical methods, protocols, technical reports, and SOPs to support research activities and future regulatory filings.
• Analyze and interpret complex mass spectrometry datasets; present findings to cross-functional teams and contribute to program-level decision-making.
• Evaluate and implement new analytical technologies, software tools, and workflows to improve throughput, sensitivity, and data quality.
• Collaborate closely with formulation scientists, biologists, process development, and CMC teams to ensure analytical needs are met across programs.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, consumable inventories, and ensure compliance with safety and data integrity standards.

Skills

Analytical chemistry expertise

Bioanalytical method development

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related field

Tools

LC/MS platforms (Q-TOF, Orbitrap, triple quadrupole)

Mass spectrometry software: MassLynx, Xcalibur, Empower, BioPharma Finder, UNIFI

Job description

Pivotal in San Diego seeks an Analytical Scientist (Ph.D.) to develop and validate analytical methods for proteins, RNA, lipids, and LNP components using LC/MS. You will troubleshoot instruments, design experiments, and interpret complex data to support research, process development, and regulatory submissions.

The role requires deep LC/MS expertise, strong problem-solving, and the ability to communicate results effectively across teams in a fast-paced biotech environment.