Analytical Scientist – LC-MS/MS (Pesticides & Mycotoxins)
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Position Type: Full-Time
Department: Analytical Chemistry
Reports To: Chief Scientific Officer / Laboratory Manager
About ChRi Laboratories
ChRi Laboratories is an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited analytical testing laboratory providing high-quality pharmaceutical, cannabis, and hemp testing services. Our mission is to deliver scientifically sound, accurate, and defensible analytical results while maintaining the highest standards of quality, integrity, and regulatory compliance.
ChRi Laboratories is seeking an experienced Analytical Scientist – LC-MS/MS to perform routine pesticide and mycotoxin testing of cannabis and hemp products using validated tandem mass spectrometry methods. This position is ideal for a scientist with strong LC-MS/MS experience who enjoys instrument operation, data analysis, troubleshooting, and maintaining analytical excellence in a regulated laboratory environment.
Position Summary
The Analytical Scientist – LC-MS/MS is responsible for performing routine quantitative analysis of pesticides and mycotoxins in cannabis, hemp, and cannabinoid-derived products using a validated Waters UPLC™ coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system.
This position focuses on reliable execution of an established analytical method. Responsibilities include instrument operation, sample preparation, data acquisition, chromatographic review, quantitative data processing using Waters MassLynx™ Software, routine preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, quality control review, and ensuring the instrument consistently operates within validated performance specifications.
The successful candidate will perform all activities in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), laboratory SOPs, and Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform routine LC-MS/MS analysis for pesticides and mycotoxins in:
- Cannabis flower
- Hemp flower
- Concentrates and distillates
- Vape products
- Edibles
- Non-edible infused products
- Beverages
- Tinctures and oral solutions
- Prepare analytical samples using validated extraction, QuEChERS cleanup, dilution, and filtration procedures.
- Prepare calibration standards, quality control samples, internal standards, and laboratory reagents.
- Operate and maintain Waters UPLC-MS/MS instrumentation.
- Acquire, process, review, and report analytical data using Waters MassLynx™ software.
- Review chromatograms for retention time, peak integration, ion ratio acceptance, calibration performance, and quality control compliance.
- Evaluate system suitability, continuing calibration verification (CCV), laboratory blanks, matrix spikes, duplicate samples, and other quality control data.
- Verify analytical results before release.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance, including:
- Source cleaning
- Cone cleaning
- Pump seal replacement (as appropriate)
- Solvent preparation
- Mobile phase replacement
- Routine performance checks
- Instrument tuning and calibration verification
- Troubleshoot routine instrument performance issues and coordinate service activities when necessary.
- Maintain complete and accurate laboratory documentation in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
- Participate in Out-of-Specification (OOS), Out-of-Trend (OOT), CAPA investigations, proficiency testing, and internal audits.
- Assist with periodic method verification and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and laboratory quality systems.
- Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and a safe working environment.
- Meet laboratory turnaround time goals while maintaining the highest standards of scientific quality and data integrity.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
- Minimum three (3) years of analytical laboratory experience operating LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
- Demonstrated experience performing quantitative LC-MS/MS analyses using validated analytical methods.
- Experience reviewing chromatographic and mass spectrometric data for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Strong understanding of quantitative analytical chemistry principles.
- Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative laboratory environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
· Waters UPLC™ systems
· Waters Xevo™ Tandem Mass Spectrometers
· Waters MassLynx™ Acquisition and Data Processing Software
· Cannabis or hemp analytical testing
· Multi-residue pesticide analysis
· Mycotoxin analysis
· QuEChERS sample preparation
· Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM)
· Isotope dilution/internal standard quantitation
· Matrix-matched calibration techniques
· ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories
· Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
· Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
· Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
Technical Competencies
The ideal candidate will possess experience with:
· LC-MS/MS operation and troubleshooting
· Electrospray Ionization (ESI)
· Tandem mass spectrometry
· MRM data acquisition and review
· Chromatographic integration and quantitative analysis
· MassLynx data processing
· Routine preventive maintenance of LC-MS/MS instrumentation
· Analytical balances, pipettes, and volumetric techniques
· Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
- Ability to recognize instrument performance trends before they impact analytical results
- Commitment to maintaining instrumentation in peak operating condition
- Scientific curiosity and continuous learning
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Professionalism, integrity, and accountability
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Commitment to continuous improvement and laboratory excellence
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
- Ability to perform repetitive laboratory procedures, including pipetting and sample preparation.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to distinguish chromatographic peaks and review complex analytical data.
Why Join ChRi Laboratories?
Joining ChRi Laboratories means becoming part of a growing team dedicated to scientific excellence, innovation, and regulatory compliance. You will work with advanced LC-MS/MS instrumentation in a collaborative environment that values technical expertise, quality, integrity, and continuous improvement. This position offers the opportunity to become the primary technical resource for pesticide and mycotoxin testing while supporting public health and consumer safety through Minnesota's regulated cannabis and hemp industries.
If you are passionate about LC-MS/MS, analytical chemistry, and maintaining world-class laboratory performance, we encourage you to apply and become part of our growing scientific team.
ChRi Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Pay: $72,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
