Principal Scientist LCMS

Top Quality Recruitment (TQR); Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Quality Recruitment (TQR) seeks a Principal Scientist to lead LC-MS programs in a California lab, supporting non-GLP, GLP (non-clinical), and GCLP (clinical) projects. Develop high-resolution LC-MS methods for biologics and related analyses, and act as client liaison from study design to data transfer, ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables.

The role includes mentoring junior staff, overseeing lab operations, and contributing to policies and SOPs while maintaining EHS compliance.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related fields.
• Minimum 4+ years (PhD) or 9+ years (MS) CRO/Pharma/Biotech experience.
• Hands-on experience with high-resolution LCMS method development and in-depth characterization.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct LC-MS method development for biologics and related analyses.
• Present and interpret data internally and/or externally as needed.
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the LCMS platform.
• Serve as the Principal Investigator responsible for client interaction from study design to scheduling, conducting, reporting, and transferring data, ensuring client satisfaction.
• Provide oversight of the laboratory, mentor junior staff, and collaborate to improve operational excellence.
• Assist in establishing and improving policies, procedures, work instructions and SOPs.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Independent work

Detail-oriented

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry

MS in Chemistry/Biochemistry

Job description

The LCMS Principal Scientist will be responsible for supporting non-GLP, GLP (non-clinical), and GCLP (clinical) projects. The role is responsible for supporting lab operations in a non-GLP area.

Key Activities

• Independently conduct LC-MS method development for biologics (e.g., ADC, mAb, protein, peptide, oligonucleotide, etc.) in support of developability assessment, comparability assessment, in-depth characterisation, biotransformation, and CQA-related analysis.
• Present and interpret data internally and/or externally as needed.
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the LCMS platform.
• Serve as the Principal Investigator responsible for interaction with the client from the study design to scheduling, conducting, reporting, and transferring data. Ensure responsiveness to the client, timely delivery, and overall customer satisfaction.
• Provide oversight of the laboratory, mentor junior staff, and collaborate to keep improving operational excellence.
• Assist in establishing and improving policies, procedures, work instructions and SOPs.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills

• Supervisory experience in both project and talent (people) management is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and pay close attention to details.

Educations & Experience

• PhD, M.S., in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related scientific fields required, including a minimum of 4+(Ph.D.) or 9+ (Master’s) years of CRO/Pharma/Biotech experience.
• Hands-on experience with high-resolution LCMS method development and in-depth characterization.

TQR is an equal-opportunity employer that encourages diversity. We will consider all applications.

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.