Principal Scientist – Bioseparation & Analytical Development

Element Materials Technology; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology is seeking a Principal Scientist - Bioseparation & Analytical Development in Ann Arbor, MI. This role involves leading advanced analytical method development for large molecule therapeutics in a laboratory setting. Candidates should have a PhD and extensive experience in biopharmaceutical analysis, particularly with chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. The position emphasizes innovative scientific approaches and offers mentorship opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 8-15+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical or CRO analytical development with strong hands-on expertise.
• Demonstrated experience in comparability, stability studies, and degradation pathway analysis for complex biologics.
• Strong scientific writing capability with experience supporting regulatory documentation and submissions.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization, and troubleshooting of bioseparation-based analytical methods.
• Ensure development of robust GMP-compliant methods aligned with ICH Q2/Q6.
• Drive innovation in analytical science, including implementation of high-throughput LC-MS platforms.

Skills

Chromatography Platforms

Mass Spectrometry

Bioseparation Sciences

Analytical Method Development

Protein Characterization

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field

Tools

HPLC

UPLC

LC-MS/MS

CE-SDS

SEC-MALS

Job description

Principal Scientist - Bioseparation & Analytical Development

Job Locations: US-MI-Ann Arbor

Overview

Element Ann Arbor is currently seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist - Bioseparation to lead and execute advanced analytical method development, characterization, and validation of large molecule therapeutics across discovery, development, and late-stage CMC. This is an onsite, laboratory-based role with significant hands‑on responsibility in bioseparation sciences, supporting a broad range of biologics modalities including proteins and recombinant proteins, peptides and peptide‑drug conjugates, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and biosimilars, antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs), mRNA therapeutics, DNA constructs (including plasmid DNA and oligonucleotides), viral vectors, and other complex or emerging modalities such as fusion proteins, multispecifics, and engineered biologics.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization, and troubleshooting of bioseparation-based analytical methods supporting biologics across discovery, development, and late-stage CMC, including orthogonal analytical strategies for comprehensive characterization.
• Perform hands‑on execution and technical leadership across a broad range of modalities, including proteins and recombinant proteins, peptides and peptide‑drug conjugates, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and biosimilars, antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs), mRNA therapeutics, DNA/plasmid DNA/oligonucleotides, viral vectors, and emerging complex biologics (fusion proteins, multispecifics, engineered constructs).
• Apply deep expertise in chromatography platforms (HPLC/UPLC/UHPLC, SEC, IEX, HIC, RP‑HPLC, affinity chromatography), mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS, high‑resolution MS, SEC‑MALS, native MS, MAM workflows, glycan/PTM characterization), capillary electrophoresis (CE‑SDS, cIEF, purity/identity assays), and supporting biophysical techniques (DLS, DSC, UV/fluorescence, MALS, CD, FTIR).
• Lead analytical strategy for complex biologics programs, including method development, qualification, validation, transfer, comparability, stability, forced degradation, and full characterization studies.
• Ensure development of robust GMP‑compliant methods aligned with ICH Q2/Q6, USP, EP, and GMP requirements, and support regulatory submissions (IND, BLA, IMPD) with high‑quality analytical data packages.
• Drive innovation in analytical science, including implementation of MAM workflows, high‑throughput LC‑MS platforms, automated bioseparation methods, and evaluation of emerging technologies in biologics characterization.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists, including troubleshooting complex bioseparation and mass spectrometry challenges and establishing best practices in analytical development and execution.

Skills / Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field (or MS with extensive industry experience in biologics analytical development).
• 8‑15+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical or CRO analytical development with strong hands‑on expertise in bioseparation of large molecules.
• Deep technical expertise across analytical platforms, including LC/UPLC/SEC/IEX/HIC/RP chromatography, LC‑MS and high‑resolution mass spectrometry, CE‑SDS, cIEF, SEC‑MALS, and complementary biophysical techniques. Strong scientific knowledge of protein structure and higher‑order structure, monoclonal antibodies and biosimilars, antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs), engineered biologics, and nucleic acid‑based therapeutics (mRNA, DNA, oligonucleotides).
• Demonstrated experience in comparability, stability studies, and degradation pathway analysis for complex biologics.
• Preferred experience includes CRO or client‑facing analytical project execution, MAM workflows, advanced LC‑MS analytics, glycan mapping and PTM quantification, and automation/high‑throughput analytical systems.
• Strong scientific writing capability with experience supporting regulatory documentation and submissions.
• Proven ability to execute in onsite laboratory environments with strong hands‑on bioseparation and multi‑platform analytical integration skills.
• Ability to manage complex biologics programs in fast‑paced, matrixed environments with strong problem‑solving and scientific reasoning capabilities.
• Effective communicator across scientific, regulatory, and operational stakeholders.

Physical Demands

• Minimum moderate physical force required.
• Lifting requirements: lifting <50 lbs. often and >50 lbs. on occasion.
• Ability to stand on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs periodically.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world’s most trusted testing partner". All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.