GC Mass-Spec Analytical Chemistry Scientist

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

• Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
• Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary:

The Scientist will serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert responsible for high-complexity analytical testing in support of an FDA proposal. The role requires extensive hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation, including GC-MS platform.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Preparation of test samples for analysis including forced degradation and stability testing
• Independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical systems.
• Perform routine and advanced instrument maintenance, including column replacement, and performance verification.
• Diagnose complex instrument and method performance issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Serve as a technical resource for instrument performance, repairs, vendor interactions, and troubleshooting support.
• Maintain accurate and complete technical records.
• Evaluate and trend QA/QC metrics, including internal standards, surrogates, blanks, laboratory control samples, matrix spikes/matrix spike duplicates, and calibration criteria (where applicable).
• Assist in developing technical documentation, validation summaries, method performance studies, and related reports.

Education & Experience:

• PhD/MSc, Chemistry; 5+ years of experience
• GC-MS technology specializing in NTA (Non-targeted Analysis) for the identification of unknowns
• Estimated 498 NTA analysis
• 228 Forced Degradation replicates over 2 months (38 Sample Types X 3 Replicates X 2 Conditions/Timepoint variants)
• 270 Stability Study replicates (over 12 months)

Required Technical Qualifications

• Advanced technical understanding of GC-MS and/or LC-qTOF theory, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of advanced chromatography techniques, including GC-MS and/or LC-qTOF.
• Experience with Agilent systems.
• Experience in advanced chromatography techniques, method development, routine testing, problem solving, and unknown determination.
• Ability to read and interpret chromatograms, mass spectra, analytical reports, and method performance data.
• Manual dexterity required for instrument maintenance and sample preparation.

Communication and Work Style Expectations

• Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written, for technical documentation, reporting of experimental results, and oral presentations.
• Ability to present technical concepts and simulated or experimental results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Well organized and able to work independently to complete projects, while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to support high-complexity analytical testing through sound judgment, attention to detail, and proactive problem solving.

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