Senior Analytical Chemist

Senior Analytical Chemist (HPLC / LC-MS/MS) With Growth Potential

Compensation: $80,000 – $110,000/year (DOE)

Opportunity:
Promotion pathway into a leadership role based on performance

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled analytical chemist with strong expertise in small molecule method development and analysis by LC-MS/MS and HPLC, and the ability to handle highly complex matrices. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and PTO
• 401k with company match
• Opportunity for advancement into a senior technical or management role

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)