PhD Chemist (Woodland, CA)

IEH-EMA is seeking a highly motivated PhD Chemist to join our analytical team at our Woodland, CA laboratory. This position focuses on the development, optimization, and validation of analytical methods for pesticide residue testing using advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation. Additionally, this position offers the opportunity to lead development of new analytical methods supporting expanding pesticide residue testing programs while working with advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation.

IEH-EMA operates a pesticide residue testing laboratory specializing in the analysis of food products, ingredients, nutraceuticals, and environmental samples. Our laboratory utilizes advanced liquid and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to detect and quantify pesticide residues and other contaminants. Testing is performed within a robust quality system designed to meet ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements, ensuring reliable and scientifically defensible analytical results.

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• Ph.D./M.S. in Chemistry or a related field (required)
• Hands-on experience with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
• Experience with LC/MS/MS and/or GC/MS/MS method development or analysis
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory quality systems or other regulated analytical environments
• Experience with Sciex LC/MS/MS platforms and Agilent GC/MS/MS instrumentation
• Experience with pesticide residue or multi-residue analytical methods
• Experience working in ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories
• Strong background in Microsoft Excel
• Experience developing or refining multi-residue pesticide methods and improving analytical sensitivity, robustness, and throughput in high-volume analytical laboratories is highly valued
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment supporting testing of food products and environmental samples

General responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Developing, optimizing, and validating analytical methods for pesticide residue analysis
• Developing and validating quantitative multi-residue analytical methods for pesticide analysis using LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS, including optimization of chromatographic separation, ion transitions, and mitigation of matrix interferences
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS (triple quadrupole) instrumentation, including Sciex LC/MS/MS and Agilent GC/MS/MS systems
• Performing quantitative analysis using advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques
• Analyzing, interpreting, and reporting analytical data for identification and quantitation of analytes
• Designing and evaluating experimental approaches to improve analytical performance, including sensitivity, selectivity, and robustness of pesticide residue methods
• Ensuring laboratory activities comply with ISO/IEC 17025 quality management requirements, including proper documentation, traceability, and data integrity
• Preparing and maintaining technical documentation such as method validation reports, SOPs, and analytical procedures in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards
• Supporting method validation, verification, and measurement uncertainty assessments as required under laboratory accreditation guidelines
• Participating in proficiency testing, quality control programs, and internal audits to support laboratory accreditation
• Contributing to evaluation and implementation of approved chemical methodologies for food and environmental testing
• Assisting in scientific research initiatives and continuous improvement of laboratory analytical processes

The pay range for this position is $85,000 – $130,000 per year. This is a full-time position and is eligible for the following benefits after a brief waiting period:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life/AD&D insurance
• long- and short-term disability insurance
• health and dependent care FSA plans
• employee assistance program
• 15 days of paid time off per year for sick leave and/or vacation
• 6 paid holidays per year
• 3 days paid bereavement leave
• 401(k) (with up to 3% employer match after eligibility criteria are met)

The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Candidates must be willing to work weekends as needed.

Due to exposure to various food allergens in the laboratory environment, applicants with moderate to severe food allergies are discouraged from applying.

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