Technical Director (LC-MS)

ZRT Laboratory; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ZRT Laboratory in Oregon is seeking an LCMS Technical Director to oversee all LC-MS method development, troubleshooting, and technical oversight while supporting laboratory operations and management.

You will serve as a technical expert for LCMS testing operations, research projects, and commercial development initiatives, and collaborate with Laboratory and Mass Spectrometry Managers to provide technical leadership.

Qualifications

• Doctorate with minimum 5 years post-graduate LCMS experience in a commercial/clinical lab OR
• Master's with minimum 10 years post-graduate LCMS experience in a commercial/clinical lab
• Management experience strongly preferred; presentation and communication experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: conduct advanced troubleshooting for LCMS instrumentation and protocols; supervise LCMS testing operations per CLIA/NYDOH regs; ensure projects stay on schedule
• Data Management & Analysis: handle complex LCMS data; communicate results to clinical team; write clinical monographs; review QA reports
• Production Duties: perform sample prep, analysis, documentation; support operational decisions; coordinate between staff and leadership
• Research & Development: oversee LCMS method development, improvement, validation; lead research with partners
• Professional Development & Communication: present LCMS research; speak at conferences; maintain current LCMS knowledge; mentor staff

Skills

LCMS troubleshooting

LCMS maintenance

method development

data analysis

leadership

Education

Doctorate in biochemistry / analytical chemistry

Master's in biochemistry / analytical chemistry

Tools

LC-MS instrumentation

Job description

ZRT Laboratory is an internationally recognized leader in hormone and wellness testing. For over 27 years, healthcare providers and academic research teams worldwide have trusted our expertise in accurately measuring hormones, neurotransmitters, and elements in saliva, finger-stick dried blood, dried urine, and serum. With results from over 10 million tests, ZRT offers a commitment to the best science and the best people, delivering premier personalized home-collection testing solutions.

Position Summary:

As LCMS Technical Director, you will oversee all LC-MS method development, troubleshooting, and technical oversight while supporting laboratory operations and management. You will serve as a technical expert for LCMS testing operations, research projects, and commercial development initiatives, and collaborate with Laboratory and Mass Spectrometry Managers to provide technical leadership.

Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership:

• Conduct advanced troubleshooting for LCMS instrumentation and experimental protocols
• Serve as Technical Supervisor per CLIA regulations and Supervisor per NYDOH regulations, carrying regulatory technical supervision responsibilities over LCMS testing operations
• Ensure non-commercial testing projects remain on schedule and meet objectives
• Perform and record maintenance procedures for applicable equipment and protocols

Data Management & Analysis:

• Handle complex analytical data
• Communicate anomalous LCMS test results to the clinical consulting team
• Write clinical monographs explaining the clinical relevance of LCMS testing
• Review quarterly quality assurance reports

Production Duties:

• Perform commercial, clinical, and research sample preparation, analysis, and documentation
• Assist the Laboratory Manager with operational and technical decisions
• Facilitate communication between laboratory staff and upper management
• Work with IT, marketing, and sales teams to prepare tests for commercialization
• Collaborate with other laboratory leadership on daily LCMS operations
• Support maintenance of electronic files for CLIA-regulated research and development

Research & Development:

• Oversee all LCMS method development, improvement, and validation initiatives
• Oversee research projects with academic and commercial partners
• Direct technical aspects of LCMS assays for IRB-approved scientific studies

Professional Development & Communication:

• Conduct presentations, webinars, and lectures on LCMS research and testing
• Present at scientific conferences and professional meetings
• Attend conferences to maintain current knowledge of LCMS/GCMS innovations
• Provide technical presentations to internal staff and external audiences
• Expert-level knowledge in LCMS maintenance, troubleshooting, and method development
• Proficient in sample extraction and processing techniques for LCMS applications
• Advanced experience with quantitative data analysis approaches
• Strong ability to interpret analytical data in biological contexts
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with presentation experience
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex research projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while supporting team objectives

Supervisory Responsibilities: LCMS Technical Lead and Mass Spectrometry Manager

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctorate in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or other life science with a minimum of 5 years of relevant post-graduate LCMS experience in a commercial, clinical laboratory OR
• Master's in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or other life science with a minimum of 10 years of relevant post-graduate LCMS experience in a commercial, clinical laboratory
• Management experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated presentation and communication experience preferred

Travel Required: 2-3 times per year for conferences and professional meetings

We offer a competitive salary, exceptional benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful science that impacts patient care worldwide. ZRT Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

ZRT Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.