PLS Scientist III

Position Overview

Shift: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Location:

Oakdale, MN. This is a full‑time, onsite Scientist III position. Compensation: $85,000 - $95,000 per year.

The PLS Scientist III at Pace Analytical Life Sciences, LLC is responsible for performing a variety of complex laboratory analyses, studies, and method development activities in a GxP regulated environment. This role contributes to the development and validation of analytical methods, executes testing plans, and interprets data to support pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical product development and quality control.

• Execute complex analytical testing including HPLC, GC, LC‑MS, dissolution, spectroscopy (UV/Vis, FTIR), and wet chemistry techniques, following established SOPs and GxP guidelines.
• Conduct method development, optimization, and validation activities for various analytical methods, ensuring suitability for intended purpose and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Analyze and interpret data, troubleshoot analytical issues, and provide clear, concise reports and summaries of experimental results.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate laboratory instrumentation, ensuring proper functioning and adherence to preventative maintenance schedules.
• Document all experimental procedures, observations, and results accurately and thoroughly in laboratory notebooks and LIMS systems.
• Participate in the investigation of out‑of‑specification (OOS) and out‑of‑trend (OOT) results, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Contribute to the drafting and revision of SOPs, test methods, and validation protocols.
• Work collaboratively with project teams, providing scientific expertise and supporting coordination to achieve project goals and timelines.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, GxP standards, and internal quality policies.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior scientists and laboratory personnel as needed.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific field with 5-10 years of relevant experience in a GxP regulated laboratory environment.
• Proven hands‑on experience with a variety of analytical techniques, including advanced chromatography (HPLC, UPLC, GC) and mass spectrometry (LC‑MS).
• Strong understanding of GxP (GLP/GMP) regulations and their application in a laboratory setting.
• Experience in analytical method development, optimization, and validation is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in data analysis, chromatographic interpretation, and technical report writing.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work and lead effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with LIMS and other laboratory software.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience providing technical guidance, mentoring, or informal leadership is strongly preferred.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mobility to work in a lab and office setting, use standard office and lab equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time;

exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

Work is performed in a lab and office setting. Work is subject to chemicals, fumes, gases, noxious odors, and related items in a lab and sample setting.

Full‑time roles are eligible for a comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer…