Senior Scientist – LC-MS/MS & HPLC (with Growth Potential)
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA (On-site)
Compensation: $85,000 – $120,000/year
Opportunity: Potential promotion to leadership role based on performance
Visa Sponsorship Available
About Us
Harken Research is a rapidly growing ISO 17025-accredited analytical laboratory serving the dietary supplement, food, and cosmetic industries. Our lab is fast-paced, scientifically rigorous, and committed to delivering high-quality results. We deliver high-integrity analytical data with fast turnaround times, responsive customer service ,and exceptional scientific support.
As we scale, we are hiring a high-caliber analytical chemist to drive method innovation, take a lead role as a problem solver, support clients, and help develop junior scientists within the lab.
Summary
We are seeking a deeply analytical, curious problem-solver who loves chromatography and mass spectrometry.
This role is perfect for:
· A PhD excited to take on broader responsibility and mentor others
· A postdoc ready to make a tangible impact and grow quickly into leadership
· A scientific problem-solver who thrives on complex analytical challenges
Key responsibilities:
· Develop advanced LC-MS/MS & HPLC methods
· Review and approve data for release
· Train and support junior scientists
· Communicate results to clients
· Help improve the scalability of a high-functioning laboratory
This position offers a path to senior leadership for exceptional performance.
Responsibilities
Method Development & Troubleshooting
· Design, optimize, and validate LC-MS/MS & HPLC methods for challenging matrices such as finished product dietary supplements, botanical extracts, and foods
· Troubleshoot issues such as ion suppression, matrix interference, analyte degradation, extraction inefficiencies, and analyte binding to other matrix components for a wide range of analytes in a variety of complex matrices
· Carefully select appropriate extraction solvents and sample preparation methods to ensure analyte recovery and minimize matrix interference in complex matrices
· Maintain up-to-date expertise on analyte properties, including stability considerations such as light sensitivity, solution half-life, and degradation pathways
· Analyze samples by LC-MS/MS, HPLC, and other analytical techniques using quantitative methods for vitamins, polyphenols, amino acids, sugars, botanical actives, and many other analytes
Data Integrity & Technical Review
· Perform high-level scientific review and result justification
· Apply rigorous quantitation to assess uncertainty, recovery, and repeatability
· Conduct root-cause analysis for OOS investigations
Mentorship & Scientific Communication
· Train scientists in analytical fundamentals and troubleshooting
· Communicate technical findings clearly to both customers and internal stakeholders
Quality & Continuous Improvement
· Write SOPs
· Write validation protocols and perform method validations
· Improve lab workflows
Required Qualifications
· PhD in Analytical Chemistry or closely related field (exceptional MS considered with strong method-development track record)
· 5+ years of hands-on LC-MS/MS and HPLC experience through industry or academic research
· Proven skill in method development, validation, and troubleshooting
· Experience with a broad range of analytes and complex sample matrices
· Experience with extraction workflows and analytical challenges in real-world samples
· Ability to troubleshoot HPLC hardware failures and perform instrument maintenance
· Strong quantitative skills (you can do calculations quickly and enjoy reviewing quantitative data and finding errors)
· Clear, concise communication skills
· Excellent organization, attention to detail, and communication skills
· Eager to contribute to team growth and open to leadership responsibilities
Preferred Experience
· Method validation under ICH and FDA guidelines
· Experience working within an ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP quality system
· Authoring SOPs, validation reports, or regulatory documentation
· Experience in commercial testing or regulated environments
· Familiarity with botanical, nutraceutical, or food chemistry
· Experience with GC-MS or ICP-MS instrumentation
Industry experience is not required. We will welcome candidates with strong analytical chemistry fundamentals and problem-solving capability.
Who Thrives Here
You will love this role if you are:
· Scientifically rigorous: you care deeply about accuracy and data integrity
· Curious and creative: you like untangling complex challenges
· A supportive mentor: you enjoy helping others succeed
· A builder: you want to shape the evolution of a growing lab
And you’re motivated by the idea of becoming a lab leader, rather than strictly a bench scientist.
Compensation & Benefits
· Salary Range: $85,000 – $120,000/year DOE
· Location: Los Angeles area (Pasadena, CA)
· Full-time on-site
· Health, dental, and vision insurance
· Paid holidays and PTO
· Opportunity for advancement into a management role
· Visa Sponsorship available for international candidates
To Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting:
· Your hands-on LC-MS/MS and/or HPLC experience
· Any mentoring, project ownership, or leadership responsibilities
· What excites you about this role