Group Leader of Analytical Sciences

Kelly Services; Commerce (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Life and disability insurance

HSA/FSA options

401(k) with employer match

Employee stock purchase plans

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical in Commerce, CA is seeking a Group Leader of Analytical Sciences to provide strategic leadership for analytical chemistry across the product lifecycle. You will lead a four-person team, ensure data integrity and GLP compliance, and drive regulatory readiness for global submissions.

The role combines senior scientific expertise in chromatography, MS, spectroscopy, and method development with cross-functional influence across R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality groups.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred) or closely related scientific discipline.
• 8+ years of postgraduate experience in an analytical sciences environment, ideally within Agrochemical/Pharma/Specialty Chemical.
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership. Proven track record of managing a technical team and leading functional lab operations.
• Advanced Instrumentation Mastery: chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy including structural elucidation of unknowns.
• Regulatory Fluency: Experience with GLP/GMP/ISO standards and global product registrations.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Root-cCause analysis of technical bottlenecks and non-conforming results.
• Strong background in identifying and managing quality and compliance risks.
• Leadership, project management, delegation, and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and career development for a team of scientists with advanced degrees.
• Foster collaboration, scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability.
• Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and automation to enhance capabilities.
• Oversee GLP and internal quality protocols; prepare and review analytical data for regulatory submissions.
• Translate complex findings into strategic recommendations for R&D, Manufacturing, and regulatory teams.
• Lead the analytical chemistry support function for Quality Control laboratories and cross-functional needs.
• Oversee design and optimization of complex analytical methods (impurity profiling, structural elucidation, trace analysis).
• Manage laboratory workflows, timelines, and the analytical budget (CAPEX/OPEX).
• Drive continuous improvement and stay informed on industry trends.

Skills

Analytical leadership

Regulatory experience

GLP/GMP/ISO knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred)

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

GC

GC-MS/MS

LC-MS/MS

Spectroscopy

Job description

Kelly Science and Clinical is partnering with a leading agrochemical producer in their search for a Group Leader of Analytical Sciences.

The ideal candidate will provide strategic and functional leadership for the Analytical Sciences organization. This role serves as the company’s senior analytical chemistry expert, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership to advance scientific excellence, operational performance, and global regulatory compliance across the product lifecycle.

Job Title: Group Leader of Analytical Sciences

Location: Commerce, CA (100% onsite)

Salary: $135-150,000 (negotiable DOE) + outstanding benefits

The Group Leader of Analytical Services will lead a high-performing team (4) responsible for the development, validation, and application of sophisticated analytical methodologies supporting research and development, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory initiatives. This leader will drive innovation in analytical capabilities, oversee complex problem solving and technical decision-making, and ensure the highest standards of data integrity, laboratory compliance, and scientific rigor.

Key Responsibilities

• Functional & Technical Leadership: Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and career development for a team of scientists with advanced degrees. Foster a culture of collaboration, scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability
• Laboratory Strategy & Innovation: Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and automation to enhance the laboratory’s capabilities and throughput
• Regulatory & GLP Excellence: Supervise the preparation and technical review of analytical data packages for global regulatory submissions (EPA, OECD). Ensure the lab maintains strict adherence to GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and internal quality protocols
• Cross-Functional Integration: Translate complex chemical findings into strategic business recommendations for R&D, Manufacturing, and regulatory compliance teams
• Lead the analytical chemistry support function for Quality Control laboratories and cross-functional team needs, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting expertise, and strategic analytical chemistry oversight across the enterprise
• Strategic Method Development: Oversee the design and optimization of complex analytical methods (e.g., impurity profiling, structural elucidation, and trace analysis) using state-of-the-art instrumentation (such as HPLC/UPLC, GC, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and Spectroscopy)
• Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the ultimate technical resource for troubleshooting complex analytical challenges and interpreting non-routine data for active ingredients and formulated products
• Resource & Project Management: Manage laboratory workflows, project timelines, and the analytical budget (CAPEX/OPEX), ensuring the team has the necessary tools and guidance to meet corporate milestones.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement, identifying areas for enhancement. Implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and economy
• Staying Informed: Keeping up to date with industry trends and scientific advancements.
• Comply with all regulatory requirements
• Align and comply with all company EH&S, CHP plans and policies

Education Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred) or a closely related scientific discipline

Experience Requirements

• 8+ years of postgraduate experience in an analytical sciences environment, ideally within the Agrochemical, Pharmaceutical, or Specialty Chemical industry
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership. Proven track record of managing a technical team and leading functional lab operations
• Advanced Instrumentation Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy including structural elucidation of unknowns and complex matrix analysis.
• Regulatory Fluency: Significant experience with GLP/GMP/ISO standards and the requirements for global product registration
• Analytical Problem Solving: A history of resolving critical technical bottlenecks and managing non- conforming results through sophisticated root cause analysis
• Strong background in identifying and managing quality and compliance risks
• Excellent skills in leadership, project management, effective delegation, and budget management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate across the organization

OUTSTANDING BENEFITS

Client provides Industry leading Medical, Dental, and Vision care with very low out of pocket premiums; Life and Disability Insurance for employees and family members; Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options; 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match and Employee Stock Purchasing Plans.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.

Why Kelly ® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affidavit Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.