Company Description
Harken Research is an ISO17025 accredited testing laboratory located in Pasadena with two core business units: consumer product testing and pharmaceutical contract research. Within the consumer product testing unit dietary supplements, food, and cosmetics are the focus – with additional testing services catering to other industries. Our strengths are our ability to offer customized testing and problem solving to address client needs; excellent customer service; and quick turnaround times.
Summary
Harken Research is seeking an experienced Senior Quality Assurance Chemist to perform technical review of analytical data and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) prior to report release.
This position is ideal for an analytical chemist with strong hands-on laboratory experience who enjoys evaluating analytical data, identifying potential issues, and ensuring that every report released by our laboratory is accurate, scientifically sound, and compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 quality standards.
The primary focus of this position is technical review—not routine laboratory testing—although laboratory experience is essential for making informed scientific decisions.
Duties
Technical Data Review
- Review analytical data generated by HPLC, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, GC-MS, UV-Vis, and other analytical techniques.
- Review chromatograms, calibration curves, quality control data, and instrument performance.
- Verify calculations, dilutions, unit conversions, and reportable results.
- Confirm analytical methods and quality control requirements have been followed.
- Identify unusual trends, inconsistencies, or results that require additional investigation.
- Work closely with laboratory scientists to resolve technical questions before reports are released.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) Review
- Perform technical review of Certificates of Analysis prior to release.
- Verify client information, sample identification, specifications, analytical methods, units, and formatting.
- Ensure reported results accurately reflect the underlying laboratory data.
- Confirm reports meet internal quality standards before approval.
Scientific Problem Solving
- Review unexpected or Out-of-Specification (OOS) results and determine whether additional investigation or repeat analysis is appropriate.
- Communicate with laboratory scientists regarding questionable or unusual findings.
- Help ensure clients receive accurate, defensible analytical results.
Quality Systems
- Support compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality requirements.
- Assist with continuous improvement of laboratory documentation and reporting procedures.
- Help maintain consistency and accuracy across laboratory reports.
Essential Functions
- Working independently
- Working on a computer for extended periods of time
- Working in a laboratory for extended periods of time
- Communication with clients and employees including laboratory, administrative, and sales personnel; ownership; vendors; contractors
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on analytical chemistry laboratory experience.
- Strong practical experience operating HPLC systems.
- Experience reviewing chromatograms and analytical data.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard laboratory software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
- Experience with dietary supplements, food, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical testing.
- Experience with LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, or GC-MS.
- Experience investigating analytical discrepancies or Out-of-Specification (OOS) results.
- Experience reviewing laboratory reports or Certificates of Analysis.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $75,000–$90,000 per year
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- 401(k) with company match
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
Why Join Harken Research?
- Gain experience in a fast-growing analytical testing laboratory
- Learn practical QA, data review, and reporting skills used across the industry
- Work alongside experienced scientists and leadership
- Opportunity to grow into more technical or senior roles as the company expands
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Laboratory: 1 year (Required)
- Customer service: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Pasadena, CA 91105 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Pasadena, CA 91105: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
