Analytical Section Supervisor

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a laboratory group leader to oversee drug testing activities, supervise chemists, and guide research on LC-MS and GC-MS applications. You will develop new extraction methods, validate analyses, and ensure SOPs and QA/QC practices uphold high standards.

Responsibilities include coordinating confirmation analyses, mentoring multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring timely production while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related field, or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience providing effective management and leadership in a fast-paced, high throughput laboratory.
• At least 5 years operating LC-MS or LC-MS/MS instrumentation and troubleshooting independently.
• Experience with LC-MS method development and validation in regulated labs, including QA/QC knowledge.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to lead teams.
• Demonstrated success mentoring multidisciplinary teams; familiarity with regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and direct daily activities of drug testing lab personnel to meet production goals.
• Coordinate assignment of test technologies including screening and confirmation analyses (GC-MS and LC-MS).
• Supervise multiple chemists and staff performing complex analytical testing procedures.
• Direct research projects for analysis of molecules in biological matrices; develop new extraction and LC-MS/GC-MS techniques.
• Develop and validate methods, update SOPs, and ensure QA/QC procedures are robust.
• Coordinate confirmation analyses including B samples to verify work of other labs.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical chemistry

Mentoring

Troubleshooting

Education

Analytical Chemistry (advanced degree)

Tools

LC-MS/MS

GC-MS

SOPs

Job description

Salary or Pay Range

$79,400/annually - $144,000/annually – Please note: This position is subject to a departmental budgeted salary range of: $79,400/annually - $111,700/annually; commensurate with education and experience.

Under general direction of the Laboratory Manager, responsible for monitoring and directing the daily activities of the drug testing laboratory personnel and activities to meet production goals and ensure adherence to internal processes and procedures. As a group leader, directly responsible for assignment and coordination of a wide range of test technologies including screening and confirmation analysis using GC-MS and LC-MS. Responsible for the supervision of multiple chemists and staff performing complex analytical testing procedures. Under general guidance from the laboratory manager and in conjunction with graduate students and academic personnel, direct research projects for the analysis of small and large molecules in biological matrices. Responsibilities will involve all aspects of research projects including formulating strategies for novel and new extraction and analytical techniques utilizing LC-MS and GC-MS, supervising personnel, researching literature, and summarizing data for publication. Responsible for direct method development work to enhance the drug testing capability of the lab utilizing new technology as available and participating in the update and development of analytical procedures, quality control procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Responsible for coordination and planning of confirmation analyses including “B” samples to confirm work of other laboratories.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Advanced degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related field, or equivalent experience/training with demonstrated experience in related field.
• Experience providing effective management and leadership in a fast-paced, high throughput regulated laboratory environment with strict turnaround times.
• At least 5 years of hands‑on experience operating and maintaining LC-MS or LC-MS/MS instrumentation in a laboratory setting and demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex instrumentation issues independently including skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify resolution.
• Experience with LC-MS method development and validation in a regulatory or diagnostic lab environment including proven ability to develop and validate complex methods (including sample prep and analysis) for chromatographic separations with mass spectrometry detection, with strong knowledge of statistics and QA/QC principles to ensure accuracy and robustness.
• Strong organizational skills, independent thinking, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects and deliver high-quality results including skills to obtain, comprehend, and consider others’ priorities, opinions and concerns.
• Demonstrated success in leading, motivating, and mentoring multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative environment.
• Familiarity with ISO, or other regulatory frameworks relevant to analytical testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience/training including membership in the Association of Official Racing Chemists.
• Extensive supervisory/management experience in a laboratory environment including performance management, coaching, hiring/releasing staff, and directing the work of others.
• Extensive knowledge of instrument maintenance, calibration, and performance optimization for Thermo LC-MS and Agilent GC-MS systems including data analysis software. (Q-Exactive, Quantiva, Altis/Tracefinder, Xcalibur, Masshunter).

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.