Chemist

LUKOS LLC; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lukos seeks a Bioanalytical Chemist to advance clinical and translational research using LC-MS/MS method development and biological specimen processing under BSL-2 protocols. You will quantitate small-molecule drugs across diverse matrices and ensure data integrity and audit readiness.

Ideal candidates hold a BS in Chemistry/Biochemistry with 5–7+ years of hands-on experience; a Master's is preferred. Strong calibration, QA/QC, and compliance with QMML/GLP are essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience developing and validating small-molecule LC-MS/MS assays per FDA/EMA bioanalytical guidelines.
• Experience with sample prep (SPE, LLE, protein precipitation) and complex matrix handling.
• Familiarity with ISO 17025, CLIA, CAP, or GLP standards and QMS/QMML practices.
• Ability to maintain logbooks, IQ/OQ/PQ, and GDP/LIMS/ELN for audit readiness.

Responsibilities

• Process biological and other potentially hazardous specimens for chemical drug analysis.
• Develop and validate new analytical methods to measure small molecular weight compounds in biological specimens.
• Collect, process, aliquot and store biological specimens. Analyze antiretroviral and antimicrobial drug distribution in specimens.
• Calibrate and maintain LC-MS instruments and analytical balances; record calibration for QMS/QMML.
• Perform serologic and molecular assays pertinent to program studies.
• Maintain experiment records, analyze data, and prepare data/results for reports.

Skills

LC-MS/MS

Bioanalysis

Method development

BSL-2 safety

SPE/LLE

qPCR

GLP/QA standards

GDP/LIMS/ELN

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry/Biochemistry

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Position

Chemist

Location

Atlanta, GA

Job Id

2206

# of Openings

1

Certification & Education

• Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in Chemistry/Biochemistry with 5-7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in bioanalytical method development and laboratory operations.
• Master's Degree preferred

Experience Required

• Hands-on experience developing and validating small-molecule quantitative assays using LC-MS/MS (UPLC/HPLC paired with triple quadrupole or high-resolution mass spectrometers). Must be familiar with FDA/EMA guidelines for Bioanalytical Method Validation (covering accuracy, precision, matrix effects, carryover, and stability).
• Routine hardware calibration, source cleaning, mass calibration, mobile phase preparation, and front-end troubleshooting for LC-MS/MS platforms and analytical balances.
• Extensive experience preparing complex biological matrices using Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE), Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE), protein precipitation, and tissue homogenization.
• Experience with biosafety protocols for handling human/animal blood, plasma, tissues, cell cultures, and infectious fluids under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and Bloodborne Pathogen standard safety protocols.
• Knowledge of sample aliquoting, cold-chain storage logistics, and pharmacokinetic/tissue distribution studies-specifically involving small molecules like antiretrovirals (ARVs) and antimicrobials/antibiotics.
• Practical experience performing serologic assays such as ELISA, Western Blotting, or electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays.
• Competency in DNA/RNA extractions, conventional PCR, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to support study programs alongside chemical testing.
• Practical experience working under ISO 17025, CLIA, CAP, or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.
• Familiarity maintaining logbooks, performing scheduled equipment qualifications (IQ/OQ/PQ), and following Quality Manuals (such as the Quality Manual for Microbiological Laboratories - QMML).
• Strict adherence to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) to ensure experimental repeatability and audit readiness.

Job Objective

Lukos seeks a dedicated Bioanalytical Chemist seeking to leverage deep expertise in LC-MS/MS method development and biological specimen processing to advance clinical and translational research programs. Proficient in quantitating small-molecule compounds, including antiretroviral and antimicrobial drugs, across diverse biofluids and tissue matrices under BSL-2 protocols and QMS/QMML compliance. Combines high-level instrumental calibration and sample extraction skills with practical experience in complementary serological and molecular assays. Committed to delivering rigorous data integrity, operational quality, and robust analytical support to drive program objectives forward.

Responsibilities

• Process biological and other potentially hazardous specimens, such as blood, tissues, cells and fluids, for chemical drug analysis.
• Develop and validate new analytical methods to measure small molecular weight compounds in biological specimens.
• Collect, process, aliquot and store biological specimens. Analyze antiretroviral and antimicrobial drug distribution in specimens.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments used in the laboratory such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry instruments and analytical balances; and record calibration and maintenance for quality management system (QMS) including Quality Manual for Microbiological Laboratories (QMML) related activities.
• Perform serologic and molecular assays and laboratory tasks that are pertinent to program studies
• Maintain experiment records, analyze data, and prepare data/results for presentations and written reports.

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in Chemistry/Biochemistry with 5-7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in bioanalytical method development and laboratory operations.
• Master's Degree preferred

Work Location

Atlanta, GA

About Lukos

Lukos delivers professional services to the Department of Defense. Lukos has been one of the most successful and most diversified support companies for US Special Operations Command and its components for over a decade. Since our founding, we have grown to support all military services and multiple federal civilian agencies.

About Our Name

Lukos is ancient Greek for "wolf". The characteristics of the wolf match our approach to national security. The wolf is known for cunning, aggression, patience, and teamwork. An individual wolf is smart, strong, and resilient, but the true strength of wolves is their ability to work together as a wolfpack. Kipling said it best in The Law of the Jungle.

"For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack."

Equal Opportunity

Lukos is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or national origin.