Harken Research
Scientist (HPLC / LC-MS/MS) With Growth Potential
Harken Research, Pasadena, California, United States, 91122
Scientist (HPLC / LC-MS/MS) With Growth Potential
Compensation:
$75,000 – $105,000/year (DOE)
Opportunity:
Promotion pathway into a leadership role (Lab Manager or Technical Lead) based on performance
About Us 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.
Summary We are seeking a highly skilled
Scientist
with strong expertise in
HPLC
and/or
LC‑MS/MS , and the ability to contribute to
method development, validation , and high‑complexity testing. 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.
Responsibilities
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.
Preferred Experience
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/or 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.
Qualifications
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.
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid holidays and PTO
401k with company match
Opportunity for advancement into a senior technical or management role
To Apply
Describe your experience with HPLC, LC‑MS/MS, or GC‑MS.
Provide specific methods you have developed, validated, or improved.
Give examples of troubleshooting challenges you have solved.
Share any leadership or mentorship experience (formal or informal).
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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$75,000 – $105,000/year (DOE)
Opportunity:
Promotion pathway into a leadership role (Lab Manager or Technical Lead) based on performance
About Us 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.
Summary We are seeking a highly skilled
Scientist
with strong expertise in
HPLC
and/or
LC‑MS/MS , and the ability to contribute to
method development, validation , and high‑complexity testing. 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.
Responsibilities
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.
Preferred Experience
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/or 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.
Qualifications
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.
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid holidays and PTO
401k with company match
Opportunity for advancement into a senior technical or management role
To Apply
Describe your experience with HPLC, LC‑MS/MS, or GC‑MS.
Provide specific methods you have developed, validated, or improved.
Give examples of troubleshooting challenges you have solved.
Share any leadership or mentorship experience (formal or informal).
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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