Please send a cover letter letting us know why you want to work at Vanguard.
Who We Are
Vanguard Laboratory is an established family-owned analytical laboratory located in Olympia, Washington. We provide high-quality analytical testing for a broad range of sample types, including food, agricultural, drinking water, environmental, nutritional supplement, research chemical, small-molecule, and peptide samples.
We are an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory with a tight-knit, collaborative team and a strong focus on technical quality, continuous improvement, and method development. Our lab is growing, and we are looking for someone who wants to grow with us.
The Role
We are hiring an Analytical Chemist with a primary focus on HPLC sample preparation, instrument operation, and data analysis.
This role is ideal for someone with hands-on analytical chemistry experience who understands the full workflow: preparing samples correctly, running reliable analyses, maintaining instruments, reviewing chromatographic data, troubleshooting issues, and producing defensible results. The right candidate does not need decades of experience, but they should have a firm grasp of sample preparation principles, chromatographic analysis, instrument care, and analytical data review.
Experience with small molecules and peptides is especially valuable. Experience using Agilent, Waters, and/or SCIEX systems is helpful. Prior laboratory experience outside of school is strongly preferred.
What You’ll Do
Prepare, run, and analyze samples primarily using HPLC methods.
Perform sample preparation for small molecules, peptides, supplements, research chemicals, food, water, environmental, and related sample matrices.
Review chromatograms, integrate peaks, evaluate system suitability, calculate results, and identify questionable or inconsistent data.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot HPLC instrumentation and related data systems.
Assist with instrument maintenance, including routine care, consumable replacement, mobile phase preparation, column handling, and basic troubleshooting.
Support method development, method improvement, and validation activities within an ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.
Maintain accurate records, worksheets, instrument logs, and data packages.
Follow laboratory SOPs, quality requirements, safety practices, and documentation standards.
Communicate clearly with team members about sample status, instrument issues, data concerns, and workflow priorities.
Assist with GC or other analytical workflows as needed, depending on experience and lab priorities.
What You Bring
Hands-on experience preparing, running, and analyzing HPLC samples.
A strong understanding of sample preparation principles, dilution schemes, extraction, filtration, standards, blanks, controls, and contamination prevention.
Working knowledge of chromatographic data analysis, including integration, calibration curves, retention time, peak shape, carryover, system suitability, and data quality review.
Experience with small-molecule and/or peptide analysis is strongly preferred.
Experience with Agilent, Waters, and/or SCIEX instrumentation is preferred.
Experience with GC is helpful but not required.
Prior laboratory experience outside of academic coursework is strongly preferred.
Ability to work carefully and efficiently in a fast-paced lab environment with changing priorities.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, defensible data.
Ability to troubleshoot, ask good questions, document clearly, and take ownership of assigned work.
A degree in chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental science, pharmaceutical science, or a related field is preferred. Directly relevant experience may be considered in place of some formal education.
Preferred Experience
HPLC-DAD/RID/ELSD/MS or LC-MS/MS experience.
Peptide purity testing or small-molecule potency testing.
Experience with ChemStation, OpenLab, Empower, MassLynx, Analyst, or related chromatography/data systems.
Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025, GMP, GLP, environmental, pharmaceutical, supplement, or contract testing laboratory.
Method development, method validation, or method transfer experience.
GC-FID, GC-MS, IC, UV/VIS, experience.
Schedule
Vanguard Laboratory isopen Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m, and limited hrs on We offer flexibility to arrange an alternate schedule that meets both lab needs and the employee’s needs.
Compensation
Pay range: $21–$27 per hour, depending y relevant experience.
This range is intended for the Analytical Chemist role as posted. Candidates with substantially more senior, directly applicable HPLC, LC-MS, peptide, method development, or laboratory leadership experience may be considered for a senior-level role with a separate compensation range.
Benefits
Flexible schedule options.
Employer-matched 401(k).
Health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
Paid vacation.
Professional development, including conferences, seminars, and technical training.
Method bonus program: $500–$2,000 for each method successfully added to Vanguard’s ISO/IEC 17025 or Department of Ecology scope.
Merit-based raises tied to individual and laboratory performance.
Opportunity to contribute directly to method development, process improvement, and company growth.
Why Join Vanguard
This is a hands-on role in a growing analytical lab where your work matters. You will not be limited to one repetitive task. You will help prepare samples, run instruments, review data, improve methods, troubleshoot problems, and contribute to the expansion of the laboratory’s technical capabilities.
We are looking for someone who is motivated, proactive, quality-focused, and interested in building real analytical chemistry expertise.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in working at Vanguard Laboratory.
Please highlight any experience with:
HPLC sample preparation and analysis.
Small molecules, peptides, supplements, research chemicals, or related compounds.
Agilent, Waters, SCIEX, or similar analytical instruments.
Chromatography data analysis.
Instrument maintenance or troubleshooting.
GC or other analytical techniques.
ISO/IEC 17025, GMP, GLP, environmental, pharmaceutical, supplement, or contract laboratory work.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Did you submit a cover letter? Required for Application.
Experience:
Location:
- Olympia, WA 98502 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Olympia, WA 98502 (Required)
Work Location: In person
