LCMS Principal Scientist

Job Title: LC-MS Principal Research Scientist

Job Description

The LC-MS Principal Research Scientist serves as the primary scientific expert for pre-clinical GLP bioanalytical method development, validation, and sample analysis using triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS systems. This role focuses on both small and large molecule analysis, including ADCs and complex large molecule LC-MS/MS assays and sample preparation. The scientist provides direct technical leadership, collaborates closely with clients and internal teams, ensures strict adherence to GLP and regulatory guidelines, and delivers high-quality scientific reports in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and scientific expertise for small and large molecule analysis using LC-MS/MS, with a primary focus on method development and method validation.
• Serve as the industry expert for pre-clinical GLP bioanalytical study method development, validation, and sample analysis utilizing triple quadrupole LC-MS systems.
• Act as the subject matter expert for ADCs and large molecule LC-MS/MS analytical assays and associated sample preparation workflows.
• Serve as principal investigator or contributing scientist for LC-MS/MS studies, ensuring scientific integrity and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure all work operates in full compliance with GLP requirements, study protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain open, direct communication with clients, including attending recurring calls and providing scientific updates as needed.
• Prepare all necessary study and laboratory documentation required to support in-lab analysis.
• Complete and deliver high-quality scientific reports to clients on time, clearly summarizing methods, results, and conclusions.
• Prepare biological materials, including animal blood and tissues, for analytical assays to be run on LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
• Maintain and document chain of custody for specimens, reagents, controls, and samples in the laboratory to ensure data integrity.
• Perform analytical assays according to protocol or other guiding documents, ensuring accurate, complete, and contemporaneous documentation.
• Maintain and update facility records related to laboratory operations and analytical activities.
• Review laboratory records, procedures, and study data for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with GLP and internal standards.
• Assist with calibration, optimization, maintenance, and data collection for analytical instruments, including LC-MS/MS systems.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance, such as cleaning, stocking supplies, and completing equipment maintenance tasks.
• Document deviations from laboratory procedures and study protocols in a timely manner and contribute to the development and implementation of corrective actions.
• Collaborate with internal regulatory and quality departments to ensure robust quality and compliance oversight of GLP SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with GLP, FDA ICH M10 guidelines, ALCOA+ principles, USDA, and AAALAC guidelines, and identify opportunities for process and quality improvement.
• Support multiple concurrent projects by effectively prioritizing tasks and meeting established deadlines.
• Contribute to a collaborative, values-driven culture focused on employee development, customer focus, quality and excellence, respect, and integrity.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Biology, Chemistry, or another closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant GLP laboratory experience.
• Ideally a minimum of 5 years of experience as a Senior Research Scientist or equivalent in a GLP environment supporting LC-MS/MS work.
• Experience working in a Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) environment.
• Experience working in a contract research organization (CRO) environment or in a bio/pharmaceutical setting supporting method development and validation (minimum of 2 years).
• Strong hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS instrumentation and associated software.
• Experience with triple quadrupole LC-MS systems for bioanalytical method development, validation, and sample analysis.
• Experience with Shimadzu LC-MS systems.
• Experience with SCIEX LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
• Experience using Watson laboratory or bioanalytical data management software.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize work effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work in accordance with GLP requirements, protocols, and SOPs.
• Strong documentation skills with a focus on completeness, accuracy, and data integrity (ALCOA+ principles).
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and internal stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in a scientific discipline such as Immunology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in method development and method validation for small and large molecule LC-MS/MS assays.
• Expertise in analytical assay design and sample preparation for ADCs and other large molecule therapeutics.
• Experience preparing and handling animal blood and tissues for bioanalytical assays.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations and guidelines, including FDA ICH M10, USDA, and AAALAC requirements.
• Experience contributing to or leading GLP SOP development, review, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and implement process improvements in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Experience documenting deviations and supporting corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities.
• Comfort working in a client-facing role, including participation in recurring calls and scientific discussions.
• Motivation to work in a mission-driven environment focused on the discovery, development, and manufacturing support of new drug therapies*.

Work Environment

The role offers a balanced mix of laboratory and client-facing responsibilities, with approximately 50% of the time spent at the bench performing LC-MS/MS method development, validation, and sample analysis, and 50% devoted to client interaction and method development planning activities. You will work in a GLP-regulated laboratory environment that supports pre-clinical bioanalytical studies, using advanced LC-MS/MS platforms such as Shimadzu and SCIEX systems and leveraging Watson software for data and study management. The setting emphasizes quality, compliance, and scientific rigor, with close collaboration between scientists, analysts, and regulatory and quality teams. The organization fosters a passionate, collaborative culture grounded in values of employee development, customer focus, quality and excellence, respect, and integrity. Team members contribute directly to the discovery, development, and manufacturing of new drug therapies, with a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of people worldwide.

This is a Permanent position based out of Everett, WA.

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans 401(k)/RRSP with Employer Match Paid Vacation and Holidays Paid Sick and Bereavement Leave Employee Assistance & Telehealth Programs Telework when applicable.

This is a fully onsite position in Everett,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.