Principal Scientist LC-MS

VRS Recruitment; California; On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health benefits

401k with match

Job summary

VRS Recruitment is seeking a Principal Scientist – LC-MS in Carlsbad, CA. The role blends hands-on analytical chemistry with project leadership and regulatory involvement, offering ownership of projects and potential team development.

Ideal candidates have a PhD with 3+ years or BS/MS with 5+ years in the industry, strong LC-MS expertise, and experience in GMP environments, with exposure to ICH/FDA guidelines. Oligonucleotides are desirable, with proteins/peptides also of interest.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years of relevant industry experience or BS/MS with 5+ years in analytical chemistry.
• Strong hands-on LC-MS experience including method development and validation.
• Experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical/biotech environment.
• Familiarity with ICH/FDA guidelines and phase-appropriate analytical methods.
• Experience with oligonucleotides; proteins/peptides are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical development and QC activities supporting drug substances and finished products.
• Develop, optimize, and validate LC-MS and other analytical methods.
• Manage internal projects and external analytical partnerships.
• Oversee release testing, stability studies, and analytical investigations.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions (INDs, IMPDs, CMC).
• Maintain hands-on lab involvement across R&D and QC.

Skills

LC-MS method development

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in a related field

BS/MS in a related field

Tools

LC-MS instrumentation

Job description

Principal Scientist – LC-MS
Carlsbad, CA

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Analytical Chemist to join an innovative biopharmaceutical organization developing novel therapeutics.

This position offers an excellent blend of hands-on analytical science, project leadership, and regulatory involvement, with the opportunity to take ownership of projects and potentially build a team.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead analytical development and QC activities supporting drug substance and finished drug products.


• Develop, optimize, and validate LC-MS and other analytical methods.


• Manage internal projects and external analytical partnerships.


• Oversee release testing, stability studies, and analytical investigations.


• Contribute to regulatory submissions, including INDs, IMPDs, and CMC documentation.


• Work across both R&D and routine QC activities, retaining significant hands-on laboratory involvement.

Candidate Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years or BS/MS with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.


• Strong hands-on LC-MS experience, including method development and validation.


• Experience working in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.


• Understanding of ICH/FDA guidelines and phase-appropriate analytical methods.


• Experience with oligonucleotides highly desirable; proteins and peptides also of interest.


• Strong project management, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Salary:

• $140-165K annual base salary (or MORE!) for qualified candidates


• Help with relocation


• Excellent benefits inc. Health/Dental/Vision, 401k with march, etc.

Reference#: VRS2435

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