Chemist

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

Job summary

Lukos, located in Atlanta, GA, seeks a Bioanalytical Chemist to advance clinical and translational research through expert LC-MS/MS method development and robust sample processing of biofluids and tissues. The role requires hands-on experience with ARV/antimicrobial drug analyses under BSL-2 guidelines and QMML/GDP controls.

The candidate will support method development, calibration of LC-MS/MS systems, and data reporting while ensuring QA/QMS compliance and scientific integrity across multiple

Qualifications

• BS in chemistry with 5-7 years of progressive, hands-on experience in bioanalytical method development.
• Experience with bioanalytical method validation per FDA/EMA guidelines.
• Experience preparing complex biological matrices and handling GLP/QMS environments.

Responsibilities

• Process biological specimens for chemical drug analysis.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for small molecules in biofluids and tissues.
• Calibrate and maintain LC-MS/MS and HPLC instruments and record QA/QMS activities.
• Perform serologic and molecular assays as needed for study programs.
• Maintain records and analyze data for presentations and reports.
• Ensure compliance with GDP, QMML, and logbook practices.

Skills

LC-MS/MS method development

Bioanalytical assay validation

GLP/ISO 17025 compliance

Sample preparation (SPE/LLE)

Quantitative serology (ELISA) & PCR

Education

B.S. in Chemistry/Biochemistry

M.S. degree preferred

Tools

LC-MS/MS platforms

HPLC

Triple quadrupole MS

ELISA / Western blot

Job description

Chemist

|--------------|
| Minimum Qualifications Summary |
| 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."

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.