Pharma Analytical Chemist

Cogent Scientific; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

401(k)

Parental leave

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Cogent Scientific is seeking a Pharma Analytical Chemist to develop and validate analytical methods for RNA quantification and lipid nanoparticle analysis. The role involves LC-MS/MS method development, QC testing of LNP batches, and cross-functional data interpretation.

The ideal candidate has a BS or MS in a relevant field with 0–5 years of lab experience, strong communication, and teamwork skills. Onsite in Watertown, MA, with a day shift schedule.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
• 0–5 years of laboratory experience in analytical sciences, drug delivery, biologics, or nucleic acid therapeutics.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and learning agility.
• Leadership and communication skills for a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate HPLC-based methods for RNA quantification and purity assessment.
• Develop and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS methods for LNP lipid components and RNA quantification.
• Perform routine QC testing of LNP batches, including lipid quantification and RNA integrity.
• Determine encapsulation efficiency using orthogonal methods (HPLC, AEX, RiboGreen).
• Perform separations-based characterization using SEC, HIC, AEX/IEX, and RPLC.
• Support protein and conjugate characterization using CE-SDS, cIEF, and LC-MS peptide mapping.
• Investigate and troubleshoot chromatographic performance and instrument issues.
• Analyze data, identify trends, and present findings to the team.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Learning agility

Leadership

Education

BS or MS in Chemistry / Biochemistry / Pharmaceutical Sciences / related

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS/MS

SEC

HIC

AEX/ IEX

RPLC

CE-SDS

cIEF

LC-MS peptide mapping

Job description

Cogent Scientific, an insourced contract research organization, is looking for the right people to accomplish our Mission: to support the life sciences industry by cultivating and empowering exceptional scientists to deliver specialized laboratory services that advance research, foster collaboration, and accelerate innovation through quality and a shared commitment to excellence. We can offer you the chance to build on your skills and knowledge while working among experts in their fields and with cutting-edge instrumentation.

Cogent Scientific offers competitive pay, attractive benefits (such as medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k); parental leave; PTO and paid holidays; etc.) and an exciting work environment. This position may include relocation benefits as well. We aim to recruit the best people who stand out among their peers and embody our Core Values:

• Client Focused: We only succeed when our clients succeed.
• Outstanding: We deliver meticulous results through outstanding performance.
• Good: We act ethically and morally.
• Employee-Centric: We honor and support our employees.
• Nimble: We are prepared to adapt in an ever-changing industry.
• Team-Oriented: We collaborate with each other and with our clients.

We currently have a role available for a Pharma Analytical Chemist.

Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, optimize, and validate HPLC-based methods for RNA quantification and purity assessment.
• Develop and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS methods for LNP lipid component and RNA quantification.
• Perform routine QC testing of LNP batches, including lipid quantification, RNA integrity, and total RNA content.
• Determine encapsulation efficiency using orthogonal methods such as HPLC, AEX, and RiboGreen.
• Perform separations-based characterization using SEC, HIC, AEX/IEX, and RPLC.
• Support protein and conjugate characterization using CE-SDS, cIEF, and LC-MS peptide mapping.
• Investigate and troubleshoot chromatographic performance, sample preparation, and instrument issues.
• Analyze and interpret data, identify trends, and present findings to the team.

Job requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• BS or MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
• 0–5 years of laboratory experience in analytical sciences, drug delivery, biologics, or nucleic acid therapeutics.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written.
• Ability to work well both independently and within a team.
• Very strong problem-solving skills, a high level of learning agility, and the ability to work across functions.
• The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic and self-motivated, with the leadership and communication skills necessary to operate effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment with flexibility and an adaptable approach to goal delivery.

This is an onsite, day shift position (approx. 8a-5p local time) at the Watertown, MA site. This role does not accommodate a remote or hybrid work schedule.

Cogent Scientific provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate based on any legally protected characteristic.

Additionally, if you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

This job posting will close by 12/31/2026 or when a candidate is identified, whichever comes first.