Senior Analytical Chemist
2 days ago
Los Angeles
Company Description \n BioTrace Labs, founded in 2026, is a scientific testing partner serving the herbal, nutraceutical, food, and botanical industries. The organization specializes in precise analytical testing that supports quality assurance, traceability, and regulatory compliance across complex supply chains. Using advanced methods such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, HPTLC, and microbiological testing, BioTrace Labs delivers reliable data and transparent documentation. Science, accuracy, and accountability guide all operations and client engagements at BioTrace Labs. \n We are building a state-of-the-art ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory from the ground up in North Hollywood, California. This is a rare opportunity to join a small, motivated team at the very beginning and own the analytical method portfolio as the laboratory scales. \n \n Role Description \n The Senior Analytical Chemist is the technical engine of the laboratory, reporting directly to the Laboratory Director. This is a full-time, on-site role based in North Hollywood, CA. \n You will take co-ownership of method validation across our full instrument suite — LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC, HPTLC, and others— building the analytical methods our ISO/IEC 17025 scope is built on. Day to day, you will help design experiments, run and analyze samples across all instruments, perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance, train junior analysts and technicians, and own the creation of complete analytical data packages. You will work closely with the QA Manager to ensure the data produced by the laboratory is clean, complete, and defensible. \n The role also contributes to continuous improvement initiatives, supports the development of best practices for data integrity and documentation, and communicates technical findings to internal stakeholders and clients. \n \n Key Responsibilities \n\n • Actively participate in method development and validation across pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals, residual solvents, potency, and identity testing\n, • Optimize and validate methods on LC-MS/MS (PerkinElmer QSight 420), ICP-MS (NexION 2000), GC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HPLC, and HPTLC (CAMAG) platforms\n, • Author validation protocols and reports covering linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD/LOQ, specificity, matrix effects, and ruggedness\n, • Perform sample preparation including QuEChERS extraction, microwave digestion, and solvent extraction across complex botanical matrices\n, • Run and analyze samples across all laboratory instruments; perform routine maintenance, calibration, and basic troubleshooting\n, • Create complete, defensible analytical data packages and work directly with the QA Manager to uphold data integrity\n, • Support ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation by ensuring methods meet compendial and regulatory acceptance criteria (USP, AOAC, AHP, EPA, EU MRLs)\n, • Configure and maintain LIMS workflows for sample tracking, data entry, and reporting\n, • Train and mentor laboratory technicians and junior analysts\n, • Participate in proficiency testing (PT) programs and investigate any out-of-criteria results\n, • Prepare technical reports and communicate findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences\n\n \n Required Qualifications \n\n • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field — or equivalent hands-on experience\n, • 3+ years of hands-on analytical experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratory\n, • Strong working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 practices — method validation and verification, measurement uncertainty, traceability, quality control charting, proficiency testing, and the documentation standards required to maintain accreditation\n, • Deep, hands-on expertise with LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and HPLC — the ability to develop, validate, and troubleshoot methods independently, not simply operate instruments\n, • Existing experience in Method Validation processes\n, • Experience with sample preparation techniques including QuEChERS, microwave digestion, and extraction of complex matrices\n, • Experience using different LIMS systems\n, • Familiarity with USP, AOAC, and AHP compendial methods and acceptance criteria\n, • Ability to interpret complex data sets, document work clearly, and prepare defensible technical reports\n, • A genuine team player who values strong, respectful working relationships and collaborates openly across the laboratory\n, • Ability to work fast, independently, and reliably in a fast-paced startup environment\n\n \n Preferred Qualifications \n\n • Hands-on experience with GC-MS/MS and GC-MS\n, • Hands-on experience with HPTLC (CAMAG)\n, • Experience with Perkin Elmer, Agilent, Shimadzu, Camag hardware and software\n, • Multi-residue pesticide panel development (300+ analytes)\n, • Pesticides, heavy metals, or residual solvent method validation\n, • Experience in the herbal, nutraceutical, food, dietary supplement, or botanical industries\n, • Experience standing up methods and instrumentation in a new laboratory\n\n \n Additional Requirements \n\n • Ability to work full-time on-site at the North Hollywood laboratory\n, • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines\n, • US work authorization\n\n \n What We Offer \n\n • Salary: $28-$38 hourly\n, • Paid time off and holidays\n, • Opportunity to grow with a new laboratory and shape the technical function from the ground up\n\n