Resumes without cover letters will be ignored
Who We Are
Vanguard Laboratory is a small, family-owned startup analytical lab in Olympia, WA. We analyze food, agricultural, drinking water, environmental samples and a diverse portfolio of peptides, SARMs/SERMs, nootropics, and supplement actives. Accredited by WA Dept. of Ecology and A2LA ISO/IEC 17025. We’re tight-knit, collaborative, and relentlessly improvement-driven.
The Role (fast-paced & dynamic)
We’re hiring an experienced Analytical Chemist who thrives in a fast-moving, dynamic environment, someone who can pivot across projects and instrumentation without missing a beat. You’ll lead method development and validation (ISO/IEC 17025) with heavy use of Agilent and SCIEX platforms, and take ownership of peptide and specialty analyte workflows (SARMs/SERMs, nootropics, supplements), alongside food and environmental testing.
If you prefer doing the same test every day, this isn’t the role. If you enjoy learning new instrumentation/methods and wearing multiple hats, you’ll love it here.
What You’ll Do
- Develop & validate methods (ISO/IEC 17025): specificity, linearity, accuracy/precision, robustness, recovery, MDL/LOD/LOQ, and uncertainty; complete validation reports and SOPs.
- Peptides & specialty analytes: build LC–MS/MS, HPLC (UV-VIS,FLD,RID), GC-FID, GC-MS workflows for peptides, SARMs/SERMs, nootropics, and supplement actives, small molecules, etc across raw materials and finished products.
- Regulatory/standards: apply EPA, AOAC, USP methodologies where appropriate; support audits, DOCs, PTs/CAPAs, and NELAC/ISO documentation.
- Run & maintain instruments: Agilent GC–MS/GC-FID, ICP-MS, HPLV UV/Vis; SCIEX LC-MS/MS; Shimadzu UHPLC).
- Troubleshoot & optimize: preventive maintenance, root-cause analysis for sensitivity/ion suppression, spare-parts planning, vendor coordination.
- Data integrity: review/approve data and COAs; software includes MassHunter, OpenLab, ChemStation, SCIEX OS.
- Mentor & cross-train teammates; help build out new capabilities as we grow.
What You Bring
- Industry experience strongly preferred (pharma/supplements/food/env). Relevant academic experience will be considered.
- 3+ years analytical chemistry in ISO/IEC 17025 or regulated labs (or equivalent depth).
- Proven method development & validation ownership, with strong documentation and statistics.
- Hands-on with Agilent hardware/software and SCIEX LC-MS/MS; confident across HPLC/LC–MS/MS, GC-MS/GC-FID, ICP-MS, IC, UV/Vis, etc
- Demonstrated work with peptides and preferably SARMs/SERMs, nootropics, supplements, small molecules, pharmaceuticals (sample prep, isomerism, stability, common interferences).
- Knowledge of EPA, AOAC, USP, NELAC requirements.
- BS/MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related PhD .
- Thrives in a fast-paced, changing workload; excellent communication and teamwork.
Schedule
We’re open 8:30–5:30, Mon–Fri, and offer flexibility to arrange an alternate schedule that fits your life while meeting lab needs.
What We Offer
- A culture of continuous improvement and innovation—your work directly shapes our scope and growth.
- Professional development: conferences, seminars, training.
- employer-matched 401k
- Health/Vision/Dental/Life insurance.
- Paid vacation.
- Method bonus program: $500–$2,000 for each method successfully added to our ISO 17025 or DOE scope.
- Merit-based raises tied to lab and individual performance.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter telling us why you want to work at Vanguard. Please highlight:
- Your lc-ms/ms, HRMS, GCMS, etc experience (hardware + software).
- ISO/IEC 17025 validations you led (matrices, analytes, performance figures).
- Experience with peptides and any of SARMs/SERMs, nootropics, supplements.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $64,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- lc/ms/ms: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Olympia, WA 98502 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Olympia, WA 98502: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
