Scientist II, LC-MS Bioanalysis

insitro; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

insitro, a leading drug discovery company, is seeking a Scientist II specializing in LC-MS/MS bioanalysis. This hands-on role requires independent method development for analyzing drugs in biological matrices, supporting critical pharmacokinetic evaluations. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and must have a strong background in analytical chemistry or related fields, alongside experience in the biotech industry.

Benefits

401(k) plan with employer matching

Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible vacation policy

Paid parental leave (up to 16 weeks)

Quarterly budget for development courses

Support for attending professional conferences

Stipend for home office setup

Monthly cell phone & internet stipend

Free onsite meals and fitness center access

Free commuter bus and ferry network access

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. with analytical expertise in LC-MS/MS required.
• 2+ years industry experience for Ph.D. track; 5+ years for M.S.
• Experience with regulatory guidelines and bioanalytical methods essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop LC-MS/MS methods for drug analysis.
• Oversee CRO collaborations for method validation.
• Analyze and present bioanalytical data.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Method development

LC-MS/MS technique

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences

M.S. with 5+ years

B.S. with 7+ years

Tools

LC-MS/MS instrumentation

Analyst software

MassLynx

Xcalibur

Job description

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The Opportunity

We are looking for a Scientist II with expertise in LC-MS/MS-based bioanalysis to support our drug discovery and development pipeline. As a Scientist II specializing in LC-MS/MS, you will independently design, develop, and fit-for-purpose qualify LC-MS/MS methods for analyzing / quantifying drugs (oligonucleotides, biologics, small molecules) in various biological matrices. Your work will be critical in supporting pharmacokinetics (PK), toxicokinetics (TK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and biomarker analysis across preclinical and clinical programs. You will be responsible for method development, troubleshooting, qualification/validation, and execution of studies. This includes oversight of CROs during method transfer, qualification/validation, and sample analysis.

You will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams including DMPK, pharmacology, toxicology, clinical development and contribute to the design and implementation of bioanalytical strategies. You will report to the Director of Integrated Bioanalytics. This is a hands-on role that requires onsite laboratory presence at a minimum of 4 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, develop, optimize, and fit for purpose qualify LC-MS/MS methods for the quantitative analysis of various drug modalities (oligonucleotides, biologics and small molecules) in relevant biological matrices (e.g., plasma, serum, tissues), supporting PK, PD, and TK evaluations
• Perform analyte extraction techniques (e.g., immunoprecipitation, SPE, LLE) and sample preparation from complex matrices
• Troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation to ensure robustness, sensitivity, and reproducibility
• Analyze and interpret bioanalytical data, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Represent the Bioanalytics function in project team meetings, presenting results and contributing to data-driven decisions
• Collaborate with and manage CROs for method transfer, qualification/validation, sample analysis, and data review; ensure data integrity and timely delivery
• Author and review study plans, method development summaries, validation reports, and regulatory documents (e.g., IND, BLA submissions)
• Contribute to laboratory best practices and support implementation of new workflows and technologies
  
  

About You

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience; or M.S. with 5+ years; or B.S. with 7+ years of industry experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
• Hands-on experience with quantitative LC-MS/MS method development and validation in support of biologics, small molecule, peptide, or oligonucleotide bioanalysis
• Proficiency with sample extraction and preparation techniques for biological matrices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on assay sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility
• Familiarity with regulatory bioanalytical guidelines (e.g., FDA, EMA, ICH M10) and GLP/GCP environments
• Experience with LC-MS/MS instrumentation (e.g., Sciex, Waters, Thermo) and associated software (e.g., Analyst, MassLynx, Xcalibur)
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and communicate scientific findings effectively
• Ability to interpret bioanalytical data in context of PK/PD is strongly desirable
• Prior experience managing CROs and external assay transfers is preferred
• Prior experience with oligonucleotide drugs is preferred
• Experience supporting IND-enabling studies
• Experience supporting clinical stage programs is a strong plus
  
  

Compensation & Benefits At Insitro

Our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $135,000 - $155,000. To determine starting pay, we consider multiple job-related factors including a candidate's skills, education and experience, market demand, business needs, and internal parity. We may also adjust this range in the future based on market data.

This role is eligible for participation in our Annual Performance Bonus Plan (based on company targets by role level and annual company performance) and our Equity Incentive Plan, subject to the terms of those plans and associated policies.

In addition, insitro also provides our employees:

• 401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as mental health and well-being support
• Open, flexible vacation policy
• Paid parental leave of at least 16 weeks to support parents who give birth, and 10 weeks for a new parent (inclusive of birth, adoption, fostering, etc)
• Quarterly budget for books and online courses for self-development
• Support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth and role's responsibilities
• New hire stipend for home office setup
• Monthly cell phone & internet stipend
• Access to free onsite baristas and cafe with daily lunch and breakfast for employees who are either onsite or hybrid
• Access to free onsite fitness center for employees who are either onsite or hybrid
• Access to a free commuter bus and ferry network that provides transport to and from our South San Francisco HQ from locations all around the Bay Area
  
  

insitro is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams–grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences–and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth-oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.

About Insitro

insitro is a drug discovery and development company using machine learning (ML) and data at scale to decode biology for transformative medicines. At the core of insitro’s approach is the convergence of in-house generated multi-modal cellular data and high-content phenotypic human cohort data. We rely on these data to develop ML-driven, predictive disease models that uncover underlying biologic state and elucidate critical drivers of disease. These powerful models rely on extensive biological and computational infrastructure and allow insitro to advance novel targets and patient biomarkers, design therapeutics and inform clinical strategy. insitro is advancing a wholly owned and partnered pipeline of insights and therapeutics in neuroscience, oncology and metabolism. Since launching in 2018, insitro has raised over $700 million from top tech, biotech and crossover investors, and from collaborations with pharmaceutical partners. For more information on insitro, please visit www.insitro.com.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

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