Principal Research Scientist

Contemporary Staffing Solutions; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Contemporary Staffing Solutions is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to lead LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method development for preclinical and clinical programs. This role combines scientific leadership with collaboration across clients and internal teams to drive assay strategy and method validation.

The ideal candidate will oversee multi-site method development, leverage emerging biologics and radiolabeled analytes, and contribute to publications and business development efforts.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with strong background in bioanalytical method development and validation.
• MS candidates with substantial LC-MS/MS method development experience will be considered.
• Proven experience in pharma/biotech/CRO environments with bioanalytical assay development.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead development, optimization, and validation of LC-MS/MS bioanalytical assays.
• Design methods for small molecules, radiolabeled analytes, and biologics.
• Oversee automated platforms and transfer validated methods across labs.
• Review data packages, reports, and ensure technical quality.
• Provide guidance to operations teams and collaborate cross-functionally on validation plans and regulatory docs.
• Serve as scientific consultant to clients and assist in proposals and BD efforts.

Skills

LC-MS/MS expertise

Biologics experience

Project leadership

Client engagement

Communication skills

Education

PhD in biology/chemistry/pharmacology/biochemistry/pharmaceutical sciences

MS with significant LC-MS/MS experience

Tools

Tomtec

Hamilton

KingFisher

Integra Assist Plus

Job description

Principal Scientist, Bioanalytical Method Development (LC-MS/MS)

Employment Type: Full-Time

We are seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to lead bioanalytical method development efforts supporting preclinical and clinical research programs. This is a high-impact scientific leadership role responsible for driving assay strategy, overseeing complex LC-MS/MS method development and validation activities, and serving as a key scientific partner to clients and internal stakeholders.

This opportunity is ideal for a scientist with deep expertise in bioanalytical method development, emerging biologic modalities, and the ability to lead complex projects from concept through execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently lead the development, optimization, and validation of LC-MS/MS bioanalytical assays.
• Design and implement robust methods supporting small molecules, radiolabeled analytes, and biologics.
• Oversee assay development utilizing automated technologies and laboratory platforms including Tomtec, Hamilton, KingFisher, Integra Assist Plus, and related systems.
• Support successful transfer and implementation of validated methods across laboratory locations.
• Review scientific data packages, presentations, and reports to ensure technical accuracy and quality.
• Provide scientific guidance and troubleshooting support to laboratory operations teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on validation plans, study reports, SOPs, and regulatory documentation.
• Serve as a scientific consultant to clients, advising on assay strategies and study requirements.
• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, and technical thought leadership activities.
• Support business development initiatives by providing scientific expertise during client engagements and proposal development.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Master's degree candidates will be considered with significant, relevant LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method development experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in bioanalytical assay development and validation within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or clinical research environments.
• Strong experience with LC-MS/MS methodologies supporting preclinical and clinical studies.
• Experience working with biologics and complex modalities including:
• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
• Radiolabeled compounds
• Proven track record of leading scientific projects and interacting with external clients or study sponsors.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred Experience

• Method transfer and validation across multiple laboratory sites.
• Scientific authorship, conference presentations, or industry publications.
• Client-facing scientific consulting and business development support.
• Experience supporting regulated bioanalytical studies in a GxP environment.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Lead cutting-edge bioanalytical programs supporting breakthrough therapies.
• Work with emerging drug modalities across a diverse client portfolio.
• Influence scientific strategy and assay innovation at a global level.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and industry experts.
• Opportunity to publish, present, and establish thought leadership within the scientific community.