Scientist (HPLC / LC-MS/MS) With Growth Potential

Scientist (HPLC / LC-MS/MS) With Growth Potential

Location: Pasadena, CA (On-site)

Compensation: $75,000 – $105,000/year (DOE)

Opportunity: Promotion pathway into a leadership role (Lab Manager or Technical Lead) based on performance

About Us

Harken Research is a rapidly growing ISO 17025-accredited analytical laboratory specializing in testing for dietary supplements, functional ingredients, food, and consumer products. We operate in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with tight turnaround times and a focus on scientific rigor, data integrity, and exceptional client service. Our strengths include customized method development, advanced troubleshooting, and helping clients solve complex analytical challenges.

Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Scientist with strong expertise in HPLC and/or LC-MS/MS, and the ability to contribute to method development, validation, and high-complexity testing. Experience with GC-MS is a plus. This role supports both routine quantitative analyses and advanced investigative work such as OOS troubleshooting, matrix interference resolution, and custom analytical projects.

This position offers long-term growth potential for candidates who demonstrate initiative, technical excellence, and the ability to support and mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

Instrument Operation & Analytical Testing

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and potentially GC-MS systems across a wide range of test types.

• Perform quantitative analysis of vitamins, polyphenols, amino acids, sugars, botanical actives, lipids, and other analytes in complex matrices.

• Troubleshoot chromatographic issues including retention time shifts, peak distortion, co-elution, pressure spikes, and matrix interference.

• Investigate and resolve matrix-related challenges such as low recovery, analyte binding, degradation, or extraction inefficiency.

Method Development & Validation

• Develop, optimize, and validate new methods using HPLC and LC-MS/MS according to ICH Q2 guidelines.

• Perform experiments to improve extraction workflows and enhance reproducibility, sensitivity, and robustness.

• Document method development studies, validation protocols, and results according to ISO 17025 requirements.

Data Analysis & Quality

• Review quantitative data for accuracy, precision, and compliance with scientific, regulatory, and client specifications.

• Troubleshoot and lead investigations into Out-of-Specification (OOS) or unexpected results.

• Write SOPs and work collaboratively with Quality Assurance on audits, method verification, and continuous improvement.

Team Collaboration & Leadership Development

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior chemists and lab technicians.

• Participate in training programs for new staff on instruments, workflows, and quality procedures.

• Support communication with cross-functional teams (Intake, Extraction, Customer Service) to ensure timely deliverables.

Preferred Experience

• 5 years of analytical testing experience in a contract testing laboratory, CRO, dietary supplement, food, pharmaceutical, or consumer product environment.

• Strong hands-on experience with quantitative HPLC and/or LC-MS/MS.

• Experience working under a quality system (ISO 17025, FDA, GMP, or equivalent) with tight timelines and high sample throughput.

• Demonstrated ability to quantify analytes with known specifications and troubleshoot OOS results effectively.

• Experience with challenging real-world matrices and understanding of analyte stability, extraction behavior, and degradation pathways.

• Experience with GC-MS is a plus (not required).

• Excellent documentation habits, organization, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related field (Master’s or PhD a plus).

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on HPLC or LC-MS/MS experience (PhD may substitute for some experience).

• Strong track record of method development, validation, and analytical troubleshooting.

Compensation & Benefits

• $75,000 – $105,000/year (depending on experience)

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid holidays and PTO

   • 401k with company match 

• Opportunity for advancement into a senior technical or management role

To Apply

Please send your resume and a cover letter describing:

• Your experience with HPLC, LC-MS/MS, or GC-MS

• Specific methods you have developed, validated, or improved

• Examples of troubleshooting challenges you have solved

• Any leadership or mentorship experience (formal or informal)