Senior Nutraceutical Data Specialist

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 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 an experienced Senior Nutraceutical Data Specialist to join our team. This role is perfect for someone who has spent several years in the supplement industry and loves the combination of ingredients, labeling, analytical data, and scientific data review. The position centers on reviewing chain of custody forms, evaluating client test requests, interpreting product formulations, verifying analytical calculations, preparing Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), and supporting stability studies. You will be the internal expert on ingredient forms, product specifications, and the logic behind which tests are appropriate for each sample.

This position offers long-term growth potential for candidates who demonstrate initiative, technical knowledge, and leadership.

Responsibilities

Chain of Custody Review

• Review incoming CoC forms for completeness, clarity, and scientific accuracy.

• Identify missing information or inconsistencies and coordinate with clients or internal teams to resolve them.

Ingredient Interpretation & Test Selection Support

• Evaluate product labels, raw material documents, and ingredient lists to determine appropriate testing approaches.

• Assess ingredient forms and declarations to ensure test requests align with industry expectations.

• Recommend clarifications or corrections when requested tests do not match the product’s composition or intended analyte.

• Serve as a resource to customer service and lab staff regarding ingredient terminology and product types.

Label, Raw Material, and Specification Review

• Review client-submitted formulations, COAs, and labels.

• Ensure analytes, units, and specifications are aligned with typical supplement industry practices.

• Flag discrepancies or implausible values.

Data Review & Calculation Verification

• Review analytical data for correctness and consistency.

• Verify calculations, conversions, and stoichiometric accuracy.

• Identify potential analytical or clerical errors and communicate findings clearly.

COA Preparation & Final Release

• Enter approved results into COA templates.

• Conduct detailed reviews for formatting, units, rounding, and alignment with client specifications.

• Release finalized CoAs to clients.

Support Stability Studies

• Help track pull points, timelines, and reporting deadlines for accelerated and real-time stability studies.

• Summarize and plot results, monitor trends, initiate OOS investigations as needed, and provide updates to clients

• Ensure results and documentation meet internal and client expectations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support customer service and laboratory teams with ingredient-related questions.

• Engage professionally with clients to resolve missing or unclear information.

• Notify scientific staff when repeat testing or follow-up is needed.

Required Experience

• 5–7 years of experience in the dietary supplement industry (testing lab, QA/QC, manufacturing, formulation, or related).

• Strong working knowledge of dietary supplement ingredients and ingredient forms.

• Hands-on HPLC or other analytical chemistry experience .

• Strong math skills, including conversions and stoichiometry.

• High proficiency in Excel for data review.

• Exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to work quickly.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Degree in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry

• Background in an ISO 17025 laboratory

• Experience reviewing raw material COAs, batch records, or release documentation

• Familiarity with HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS data

• Experience supporting stability studies

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

Why Join Harken Research?

• Be part of a rapidly growing, scientifically driven testing lab.

• Work closely with scientists and leadership in a collaborative, supportive environment.

• Play a critical role in ensuring data integrity, accurate test selection, and flawless reporting for a wide range of supplement products.

• Enjoy meaningful career growth opportunities in a thriving industry.