Scientist (R&D Toxicology)

Quest Diagnostics; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day 1 Medical

Well-being programs

Blueprint for Wellness

Annual incentive plans

401(k) match

Job summary

Quest Diagnostics is seeking a highly skilled R&D Toxicology Scientist in Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on developing complex LC‑MS/MS toxicology studies, handling solid‑phase extraction from biological matrices, and delivering comprehensive reports correlating findings to product performance.

The position requires advanced degrees with extensive LC‑MS/MS experience, strong data analysis, and the ability to lead cross‑functional teams while handling hazardous materials safely.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 5+ years of progressive laboratory or industry experience.
• Or a Master's degree (MS) with 3–5 years of laboratory or industry experience.
• Or a Doctoral degree (PhD) with a thesis focused on related analytical methodologies and hands‑on laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute complex laboratory experiments in strict compliance with validated protocols, SOPs, and company guidelines.
• Document project milestones through comprehensive technical reports and experimental summaries.
• Serve as a technical leader and advisor to Associate Scientists on long‑term projects.
• Identify anomalies, investigate alternatives, and recommend data‑driven actions.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of industry advancements to optimize processes.
• Contribute to new product development in clinical and diagnostic markets.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Technical report writing

Statistical analysis

Troubleshooting

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline

Master's degree (MS)

Doctoral degree (PhD)

Tools

LC‑MS/MS

Chromatographic data processing

Job description

Job Description

Pay Range: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 / year

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits Information

We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

• Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours


• Best-in-class well‑being programs


• Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®


• healthyMINDS mental health program


• Vacation and Health/Flex Time


• 6 Holidays plus 1 \"MyDay\" off


• FinFit financial coaching and services


• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service


• Employee stock purchase plan


• Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option


• Flexible Spending Accounts


• Annual incentive plans


• Matching gifts program


• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education


• Career advancement opportunities


• and so much more!

The R&D Toxicology Scientist will develop, plan, conduct, and document results from complex experimental studies in clinical, forensic, or environmental toxicology. This role heavily features high-recovery sample preparation, including solid-phase extraction (SPE) of biological matrices such as urine, oral fluid, serum, or whole blood specimens, for qualitative and quantitative analysis on LC-MS/MS platforms. The scientist will analyze experimental data and author comprehensive technical reports correlating findings to product, process, or assay performance. Activities will span individual project ownership as well as collaborative participation on cross-functional teams, with opportunities to assume technical leadership and project coordination responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Execute complex laboratory experiments in strict compliance with validated protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and company guidelines. Systematically document project milestones through comprehensive technical reports and experimental summaries.


• Work effectively within established parameters on individual tasks, contribute actively to long-term project teams, and serve as a technical leader and advisor to Associate Scientists.


• Proactively identify experimental and analytical anomalies, investigate alternative methodologies, and recommend strategic, data-driven courses of action.


• Maintain a cutting‑edge understanding of industry-relevant technological advancements and peer‑reviewed scientific literature to continuously optimize laboratory processes, workflows, or procedures.


• Adeptly integrate and apply advanced analytical methods and next‑generation instrumentation.


• Contribute innovative ideas and technical concepts for new product development, primarily targeting established clinical and diagnostic markets.


• Safely handle infectious biological specimens and hazardous chemical waste in rigorous alignment with environmental health, safety, and corporate waste disposal practices.


• Perform other professional duties as assigned to support the continuous evolution of R&D objectives (this is a general description of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities).

Qualifications

Required Work Experience:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 5+ years of progressive laboratory or industry experience demonstrating significant analytical capabilities.


• Or a Master's degree (MS) with 3–5 years of laboratory or industry experience.


• Or a Doctoral degree (PhD) with a thesis focused on related analytical methodologies and hands‑on laboratory experience (suitable for candidates seeking an industry‑based post‑doctoral opportunity).


• Hands‑on operational expertise and troubleshooting experience with Liquid Chromatography‑Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS) systems.


• Proficiency in chromatographic data processing, qualitative/quantitative review, and analysis software.


• Extensive experience with biological sample handling, micro‑pipetting, and biofluid extraction techniques.


• Demonstrated experience developing or validating LC‑MS/MS assays in compliance with strict regulatory frameworks, such as CLSI, ANSI/ASB, CAP, NYSDOH, or ISO regulations.

Physical And Mental Requirements

• Frequently required to utilize precise manual dexterity and fine motor skills to manipulate sensitive laboratory tools, pipettes, and advanced instrumentation, as well as reach with hands and arms.


• Frequently required to maintain seated or standing positions for extended periods, with occasional walking and stooping.


• Regularly lift and/or manipulate objects weighing up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.


• Must possess close visual acuity and depth perception required for precise specimen handling, system operations, and data observation.

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of safe chemical handling protocols, hazardous material safety protocols, and standard laboratory equipment.


• Deep conceptual and practical understanding of related products and analytical technologies, acquired through developmental experience in academic or industrial settings.

Skills

• Ability to read, critically analyze, and interpret highly technical documents, including peer-reviewed scientific journals, instrument operating manuals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).


• Ability to draft comprehensive, professional technical reports, scientific protocols, and clear business correspondence.


• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively in individual discussions and small-group collaborative settings.


• Ability to apply advanced mathematical and statistical concepts to analytical problem‑solving.


• Ability to perform statistical calculations relevant to assay performance, such as frequency distributions, determination of assay reliability and validity, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and correlation techniques.


• Ability to apply rigorous, systematic logic to execute complex, multi-step instructions provided in written, oral, or diagrammatic formats.


• Ability to systematically isolate, troubleshoot, and resolve multi‑variable technical issues in a dynamic laboratory environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree (Required)


• Master’s Degree


• Doctoral Degree (Preferred)

About The Team

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.