LC-MS Scientist

Actalent; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an LC-MS Scientist in Madison, WI, open to entry-level or mid-level candidates. You will operate, maintain, and troubleshoot LC-MS and HPLC instruments, supporting a high-throughput bioanalytical lab and a large team of chemists.

This hands-on role emphasizes instrument mastery, problem solving, and collaboration with fellow scientists. You will train staff, document maintenance actions, and contribute to workflow optimization while developing expertise in analytical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 0–5 years of laboratory experience with HPLC operation and instrumentation.
• Ability to independently operate HPLC systems, including setup, execution, and basic maintenance.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up, start, and monitor runs on LC-MS and HPLC instruments.
• Independently operate instrumentation and ensure accurate data acquisition.
• Coordinate scheduling and utilization of numerous mass spectrometry instruments.
• Train and support staff on instrument operation and best practices.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues and minimize downtime.
• Document maintenance and instrument status for audits.

Skills

HPLC operation

LC-MS operation

analytical instrumentation

mass spectrometry

communication skills

multitasking

team collaboration

problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field

Tools

HPLC systems

LC-MS instrumentation

Mass spectrometers

Job description

LC-MS Scientist: Open to entry-level or mid-level

1st and 2nd shift (12-8:30pm) available

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated LC-MS Scientist to join a high-throughput bioanalytical laboratory. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist who enjoys hands-on instrument work, problem-solving, and collaborating with fellow laboratory professionals. In this role, you will operate, maintain, and troubleshoot LC-MS and HPLC instrumentation while supporting a large team of chemists in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

The ideal candidate has experience operating HPLC systems, strong organizational skills, and a desire to become an expert in analytical instrumentation and mass spectrometry.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, start, and monitor analytical runs on LC-MS and HPLC instruments.
• Independently operate instrumentation and ensure accurate data acquisition.
• Coordinate scheduling and utilization of a large fleet of mass spectrometry instruments.
• Serve as a primary technical resource for chemists using LC-MS instrumentation.
• Train and support new and existing laboratory staff on instrument operation and best practices.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues and perform corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, and metrology activities to ensure instrument performance.
• Document maintenance activities, troubleshooting efforts, and instrument status.
• Communicate instrument-related issues and solutions with laboratory leadership and study teams.
• Assist with investigations involving instrument errors, data discrepancies, or process deviations.
• Identify and resolve common laboratory issues impacting analytical performance.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and support workflow optimization.
• Cross-train in laboratory testing activities as needed.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and laboratory personnel to ensure project success.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 0-5 years of laboratory experience with HPLC operation and instrumentation.
• Ability to independently operate HPLC systems, including setup, execution, and basic maintenance.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in analytical instrumentation, metrology, and mass spectrometry technologies.
• Collaborative mindset with a strong commitment to supporting team success.

Work Environment

This position is based in a collaborative bioanalytical laboratory supporting a team of scientists and chemists. The role is highly hands-on and focused on analytical instrumentation, with much of the day spent operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and coordinating the use of LC-MS and HPLC systems.

Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment that requires frequent interaction with colleagues, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Opportunities for professional growth include cross-training, advanced instrument troubleshooting, metrology, and expanded technical responsibilities as expertise develops.

Why Join Us?

• Work with advanced LC-MS and mass spectrometry technologies.
• Gain exposure to a large-scale bioanalytical laboratory environment.
• Receive training and development opportunities in instrumentation and metrology.
• Build expertise in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry.
• Grow your career within a collaborative and science-driven organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.