Lead Laboratory Analyst in Pasadena, California at Encore Labs LLC

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented, self-motivated Lead Laboratory Analyst with hands-on experience in HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, and/or LC-MS/MS to join a new analytical testing laboratory from the ground up.
As the first laboratory employee, this role will help establish methods, workflows, and day-to-day laboratory operations. During the setup phase, the Lead Laboratory Analyst will support method implementation, and limited R&D activities. Once established, the role will primarily focus on routine analytical testing and laboratory operations.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently with limited day-to-day supervision, can organize and prioritize laboratory activities, and has the technical judgment to troubleshoot analytical issues while producing accurate, reliable results.
Experience with microbiological testing, including PCR/qPCR, culture-based plating, and/or kinetic LAL endotoxin testing, is a plus but is not required.

Key Responsibilities
• Serve as the primary on-site analyst responsible for daily laboratory activities.
• Prepare samples using established procedures, including weighing, extraction, dilution, filtration, and other applicable preparation techniques.
• Perform routine qualitative and quantitative analysis using HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, and/or LC-MS/MS.
• Prepare calibration standards, quality-control samples, reagents, and mobile phases.
• Review calibration curves, chromatograms, peak integration, and quality-control results to ensure data meet established acceptance criteria.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments, addressing issues such as poor peak shape, retention-time shifts, carryover, pressure fluctuations, and reduced sensitivity.
• Maintain accurate records of sample preparation, instrument operation, maintenance, calculations, and analytical results.
• Enter and review data in the laboratory information management system.
• Assist with investigations of failed quality controls, atypical results, and analytical deviations.
• Support method setup, optimization, verification, validation, and limited method-development activities.
• Help establish efficient laboratory workflows and testing procedures.
• Follow laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and quality-system standards.
• Coordinate and prioritize workload to meet turnaround times.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and monitor laboratory supplies.
• Participate in cross-training and support additional testing activities as needed.
• Assist with training and technical guidance as the laboratory team grows.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience operating HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, and/or LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
• Understanding of analytical sample preparation, calibration, quality controls, and laboratory calculations.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and maintain accurate, traceable documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to recognize questionable results and communicate analytical or quality concerns promptly.
• Ability to work independently and manage daily laboratory activities with limited supervision.

Preferred Qualifications
• Two or more years of experience in a commercial or regulated analytical testing laboratory.
• Experience with Agilent instrumentation and software or similar, including OpenLab, ChemStation, and/or MassHunter.
• Experience with instrument troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, method development, or validation.
• Experience establishing new analytical methods, workflows, or testing capabilities.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and laboratory information management systems.
• Microbiology or endotoxin testing experience is a plus, particularly:
• PCR/qPCR sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and data interpretation.
• Culture-based testing, including aseptic technique, serial dilutions, plating, incubation, and colony counting.
• Kinetic LAL endotoxin testing using chromogenic and/or turbidimetric methods, including sample preparation, dilution, standard curves, and inhibition/enhancement testing.

Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life health insurance
- 401 k
- Paid Sick Leave
- Vacation
-Holidays

Schedule - Mon-Fri

Note: This is a newly launched project, the position will operate in an evolving environment as the company develops and evaluates this service line.