Principal Analytical Chemist

Company Description OVAcens is a health technology company focused on transforming early detection of ovarian and breast cancer. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry paired with machine learning, OVAcens aims to identify the molecular fingerprint of early-stage disease from a standard blood draw, without reliance on imaging or symptom-based detection. The company’s first program is an early-stage ovarian cancer test, followed by a breast cancer test, both currently in development and not yet available for clinical use. OVAcens’ mission is to improve survival rates by enabling earlier, more accessible detection for individuals at average risk who currently lack recommended screening options. Role Description The Principal Analytical Chemist is a full-time, on-site role based in San Diego, CA. We are hiring a Principal Analytical Chemist to support the new lab build, own the LC-MS method development end to end and lead all lab-based work to support our LDT development. Following GLP-compliance, you will work with high-resolution accurate-mass (HRAM) and triple-quadrupole platforms while being the person the organization relies on when a method has to be both scientifically defensible and regulatorily durable. This is a hands-on, bench-forward position. You will be the first full time employee for this company, report to the COO and set the tone for how work is done in the lab. As we scale, you will grow with the company, mentoring junior scientists and get first hand experience of building a lab and company from the ground up while developing lifesaving diagnostic LDTs. Qualifications Required Education: Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. Experience: 5-10 years of post-Ph.D. LC-MS method development experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or diagnostic laboratory setting. Dual-platform depth: Demonstrated, independent method development experience on both HRAM instrumentation (Orbitrap, Q-TOF, or equivalent) and triple-quadrupole systems. Domain: Substantive background in small-molecule bioanalysis, DMPK, and drug metabolism, including metabolite identification and PK sample analysis. Regulated environment: Hands-on experience working under GLP, including protocol-driven studies, SOP authorship, and audit-ready documentation. Clinical laboratory: Prior work in a CLIA-certified and/or CAP-accredited laboratory, with direct involvement in diagnostic assay development, validation, or transfer. Software: Fluency with vendor acquisition and processing software (Xcalibur/TraceFinder/Compound Discoverer, Analyst/SCIEX OS/MultiQuant, MassHunter, Metaboscape, MassLynx/UNIFI, or equivalents) and with chromatography data systems in a regulated context. Communication: A record of clear technical writing - validation reports, SOPs, study protocols, and regulatory sections - and the ability to explain analytical trade-offs to non-specialists. Preferred Metabolomics: Targeted and untargeted LC-HRMS metabolomics - study design, normalization, batch-effect control, feature annotation, and pathway interpretation. Proteomics: Bottom-up proteomics and peptide quantitation, including protein digestion workflows, DDA/DIA acquisition, and PRM/MRM assays for protein biomarkers. Experience supporting oncology programs or cancer biomarker development. Familiarity with FDA/ICH M10 bioanalytical method validation guidance, CAP checklists, and CLIA regulatory requirements. Experience contributing to IND, NDA, or IVD/LDT regulatory filings. Statistical and data-handling skills using R, Python, or comparable tools for large MS datasets. Experience with biomarker qualification, companion diagnostics, or assay commercialization. #J-18808-Ljbffr