Analytical Chemist - Peptide Analysis & Method Development.

Analytical Chemist – Peptide Analysis & Method Development

Vialmark Lab | Hoffman Estates, Illinois | Full-time, on-site About Vialmark Lab

Vialmark Lab is an analytical testing laboratory in development in the Chicagoland area, focused on client-supplied research peptides and related compounds. Planned services include HPLC-UV purity analysis, LC-MS identity testing, and quantitative peptide content analysis.

We are building our laboratory around reliable analytical methods, sample traceability, data integrity, and clear client reporting. This is an opportunity for a hands-on chemist to help establish the laboratory’s methods, documentation, and technical workflows from the ground up.

About the role

We are seeking an analytical chemist who can work independently at the bench and collaborate with leadership during laboratory setup and launch. The role combines method development, instrument operation and troubleshooting, sample analysis, and the development of practical quality procedures.

This position is intended for someone with demonstrated hands-on analytical experience who is comfortable taking ownership of technical work in an early-stage laboratory. Peptide-specific experience is strongly preferred; candidates with relevant experience in related biomolecules or small-molecule analytical testing are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory setup: Help establish instrument workflows, sample preparation areas, reagent and reference-standard controls, and routine operating procedures. Coordinate with equipment vendors on installation, training, and qualification activities.
• Method development: Develop, optimize, and document HPLC-UV and LC-MS methods for peptide purity, identity, and quantitative content analysis. Design and execute fit-for-purpose validation or verification studies with defined acceptance criteria.
• Sample analysis: Prepare and analyze client samples, calibration standards, blanks, and quality-control samples while maintaining complete sample traceability.
• Instrument performance: Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments; establish system-suitability checks and preventive-maintenance records.
• Data review: Interpret chromatograms, mass spectra, and quantitative results; investigate unexpected findings and document limitations before reporting.
• Quality and reporting: Write SOPs, methods, and technical reports; contribute to data-review procedures, deviation investigations, and clear client-facing reporting.
• Team development: Help train future laboratory staff and communicate technical findings, method limitations, and project needs to leadership and clients.

Required qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Independent bench experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting HPLC and LC-MS systems, beyond instrument exposure through coursework alone.
• Method development: Experience developing or optimizing analytical methods, including sample preparation, chromatographic separation, calibration, and quantitative analysis.
• Data interpretation: Ability to interpret analytical results, evaluate quality controls, recognize questionable data, and document conclusions clearly.
• Documentation: Experience following and writing laboratory procedures, maintaining traceable records, and applying sound data-integrity practices.
• Working style: Strong organization, scientific judgment, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate in a developing laboratory.
• Safety: Knowledge of safe chemical and solvent handling, laboratory waste management, and appropriate laboratory safety practices.

Preferred qualifications

• Peptide analysis: Experience with peptide characterization, impurity profiling, quantitative peptide assays, or related biomolecule testing.
• Mass spectrometry: Hands-on LC-Q-TOF or other high-resolution mass spectrometry experience, including accurate-mass interpretation and MS/MS analysis.
• Agilent systems: Experience with Agilent instruments and MassHunter or OpenLab software.
• Additional techniques: GC-MS experience, particularly residual-solvent analysis.
• Quality systems: Experience in commercial analytical testing or GLP, GMP, or ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory environments, including instrument qualification, method validation, or documented investigations.
• Laboratory operations: Experience with LIMS, electronic laboratory records, staff training, or laboratory startup activities.

How to apply

Email your resume to View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject line “Analytical Chemist Application.”

Please include a brief description of the instruments and software you have personally used, a method you have developed or validated, and your availability. For instrument experience, please distinguish independent operation and troubleshooting from supervised use or coursework.

Learn more about Vialmark Lab at vialmarklab.com.