Associate Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Scientist – Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

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This Associate Scientist role offers the opportunity to work in an innovative mass spectrometry laboratory, executing LC-MS methods to characterize biotherapeutic products across all stages of drug development, from early-stage candidate selection through late-stage regulatory submissions. You will perform routine and advanced analytical tasks to support a diverse R&D pipeline, focusing on protein and modality characterization, and will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex drug development challenges.

Responsibilities

• Execute established LC-MS-based analytical protocols to characterize biotherapeutic products, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins, adeno-associated virus (AAV), siRNA, and other emerging modalities.
• Perform detailed LC-MS characterization activities to elucidate protein structures, post-translational modifications, sequence variants, and glycan profiles that support all phases of drug development.
• Provide analytical support to cross-functional teams such as formulation development, upstream and downstream process development, and manufacturing, contributing data and insights to address drug development challenges.
• Independently conduct sample preparation for LC-MS analyses, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for analytical chemistry and protein chemistry.
• Operate LC-MS instrumentation and associated liquid chromatography systems to generate high-quality, reproducible analytical data.
• Document experimental procedures, data, and interpretations accurately and comprehensively in an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN).
• Manage, organize, and visualize analytical data using appropriate software tools, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Plan and prioritize daily and weekly laboratory work using strong organizational and time-management skills to meet project timelines and deliverables.
• Communicate experimental progress, results, and conclusions clearly and in a timely manner to project teams and stakeholders, both verbally and in written reports.
• Support the maintenance of a safe, compliant, and well-organized laboratory environment, including adherence to SOPs and relevant laboratory standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of analytical methods and workflows by sharing observations, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with colleagues in the analytical development team.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific field.
• 0–2 years of industry experience, ideally in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment.
• Foundational knowledge of chemistry and protein chemistry, including principles relevant to biotherapeutic characterization.
• Hands-on experience with liquid chromatography (LC) techniques, particularly in the context of protein and peptide analysis.
• Basic experience or strong academic exposure to LC-MS methods and their application to protein or biotherapeutic analysis.
• Ability to follow and execute established laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures with high attention to detail.
• Proficiency in documenting experiments, procedures, and results accurately in an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) or similar system.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to deliver clear, timely updates and present analytical findings to project teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently at the bench while collaborating effectively within a team-focused environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Industry experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting supporting drug development programs is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with advanced mass spectrometers such as Q Exactive Plus, Exploris, or similar high-resolution instruments.
• Experience with or exposure to liquid-handling systems and automated liquid-handling platforms (e.g., Bravo) for sample preparation.
• Working knowledge of data processing and analysis software such as Skyline, Protein Metrics, or comparable tools used for LC-MS data.
• Experience with LC-MS-based protein mass spectrometry in an analytical development or R&D environment.
• Ability to interpret complex protein mass spectrometry data, including post-translational modifications, sequence variants, and glycan profiles.
• Comfort working within cross-functional teams and contributing analytical expertise to formulation, process development, and manufacturing discussions.
• Motivation to learn new technologies and analytical approaches as the organization and pipeline continue to expand.
• Interest in long-term growth opportunities, including potential progression within analytical development or related scientific functions.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite bench/laboratory role in an analytical development environment focused on protein mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will work in a modern mass spectrometry lab equipped with advanced LC-MS systems, high-resolution mass spectrometers (such as Q Exactive Plus and Exploris), liquid chromatography systems, and automated liquid-handling platforms. The team supports a broad drug development pipeline, applying LC-MS-based protein mass spectrometry throughout all stages of development. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, scientific rigor, and continuous learning, with strong company culture and significant growth planned over the next several years. Onsite amenities include a gym and cafeteria, with a fully staffed daycare planned in the coming years. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development, and contract roles include accrued sick and vacation time as well as access to observed holidays.

This is a Contract position based out of Tarrytown, NY.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $42.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Tarrytown,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 2026.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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.