Principal Scientist – LC-MS

VRS Recruitment; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Excellent benefits (Health/Dental/Visa

Job summary

VRS Recruitment is seeking an experienced Analytical Chemist in Carlsbad, CA. The role combines hands-on analytical work, project leadership, and regulatory involvement in biopharmaceutical development.

You will lead analytical development and QC for drug substances and finished products, develop LC-MS methods, manage collaborations, and contribute to IND/CMC regulatory documents, while maintaining substantial hands-on laboratory activity across R&D and QC.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years or BS/MS with 5+ years in industry.
• Hands-on LC-MS experience with method development and validation.
• Experience in GMP-regulated pharma/biotech environment.
• Understanding of ICH/FDA guidelines and appropriate analytical methods.
• Experience with oligonucleotides desired; proteins/peptides also of interest.
• Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical development and QC for 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).
• Balance hands-on lab work with cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

LC-MS analysis

GMP compliance

ICH/FDA guidelines

Oligonucleotides

Protein/Peptide chemistry

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry

BS/MS in related field

Tools

LC-MS instrumentation

GMP/GxP systems

Job description

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.

Primary 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 / Benefits

• $140-165K annual base salary (or MORE!) for qualified candidates
• Help with relocation
• Excellent benefits inc. Health/Dental/Vision, 401k with march, etc.