About this role
Description
Senior Scientist I, Mass Spectrometry
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Work Arrangement: 100% onsite
Travel: Up to 5% domestic travel
Employment Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Join a pharmaceutical analytical laboratory where you will perform routine and non-routine testing in support of product development and manufacturing. In this role, you will use HPLC, LC-MS, and GC-MS technologies to develop, validate, and execute analytical methods for complex small-molecule applications.
You will work with techniques used to evaluate residual solvents, nitrosamines, genotoxic impurities, and unknown impurities. The position also includes scientific data interpretation, laboratory investigations, GMP review, technical documentation, client interaction, and participation in regulatory or client audits.
Top Must-Have Skills
Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry, including LC-MS and GC-MS
Experience performing quantitative or qualitative mass-spectrometry analysis
Analytical method development and validation experience
At least two years of cGMP experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated laboratory
Experience evaluating, interpreting, and documenting analytical data
Working knowledge of laboratory documentation, safety, and regulated testing practices
Key Responsibilities
Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing in support of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.
Use HPLC, LC-MS, and GC-MS methods to evaluate residual solvents, nitrosamines, genotoxic impurities, and unknown impurities.
Develop analytical methods using HPLC, LC-MS, and GC-MS technologies.
Perform quantitative and qualitative mass-spectrometry analysis using instrumentation such as triple-quadrupole and QTOF systems.
Develop and validate analytical methods, test procedures, protocols, and technical reports.
Perform GMP review of laboratory solutions and chromatographic data.
Apply the scientific and theoretical basis of analytical methods when designing experiments and interpreting results.
Evaluate data for technical accuracy, scientific validity, and completeness.
Troubleshoot analytical challenges and solve problems of varying complexity.
Lead laboratory investigations and root-cause analysis.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable instrumentation, equipment, and scientific methodologies.
Communicate technical information to clients and participate in client or regulatory audits.
Support initiatives outside routine laboratory testing responsibilities.
Safely handle potent compounds while following applicable laboratory and PPE requirements.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment.
Complete required cGMP and company training within established timelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:
Bachelors degree in Chemistry with at least eight years of relevant experience
Masters degree with at least four years of relevant experience
Ph.D. with at least two years of relevant experience
Candidates must also have
At least two years of cGMP experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated environment
Mass-spectrometry experience involving GC-MS, LC-MS, triple-quadrupole, or QTOF systems
Experience performing quantitative or qualitative mass-spectrometry work
Experience developing and implementing analytical methods or laboratory processes
Working knowledge of cGMP requirements
Strong laboratory documentation skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Strong organization and attention to detail
Analytical problem-solving and basic troubleshooting capabilities
Knowledge of laboratory equipment and safe laboratory practices
Ability to plan and manage multiple assignments to meet required timelines
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Skills
mass spectrometry, analytical method development, analytical method validation, GMP, small molecule, HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS
Top Skills Details
mass spectrometry,analytical method development,analytical method validation,GMP,small molecule,HPLC,LC-MS,GC-MS
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience working in a contract development and manufacturing organization, or CDMO
Experience with pharmaceutical small-molecule mass spectrometry, particularly LC-MS/MS or GC-MS applications
Core Competencies
Analytical method development and validation
HPLC, LC-MS, and GC-MS testing
Quantitative and qualitative mass spectrometry
Triple-quadrupole and QTOF instrumentation
Scientific data evaluation and interpretation
GMP laboratory documentation and data review
Investigation and root-cause analysis
Technical writing
Client communication
Audit support
Work planning and prioritization
Laboratory safety and potent-compound handling
Experience Level
Expert Level
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wilmington, NC.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $46.00 - $56.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,NC.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.