
Scientist, Analytical Ops
United States - California - Foster CityQualityRegularJob Description
Key Responsibilities:
Extractables & Leachables (E&L) Strategy & Execution
Design and execute extractables and leachables (E&L) studies to support injectable biological drug products, container closure systems, and medical devices.
Develop and author E&L protocols, reports, and risk assessments in alignment with regulatory expectations.
Evaluate leachable profiles across stability studies, identifying trends and potential risks.
Analytical Testing & Characterization
Conduct and/or oversee analytical testing using advanced instrumentation, including:
GC-MS, Headspace and Direct Inject
LC-UV/MS, LC-MS/MS
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)
ICP-MS (elemental impurities)
Identify and characterize unknown compounds using spectral libraries and structure elucidation tools.
Perform trace-level quantification of leachables and extractables in complex matrices.
Support contract laboratory oversight, including study design review, execution monitoring, and data verification.
Method Development & Validation
Develop, optimize, and verify analytical methods for E&L testing across complex pharmaceutical matrices.
Implement screening strategies for extractables and leachables assessments.
Utilize appropriate sample preparation techniques, including:
Solid-phase extraction (SPE)
Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE)
Protein precipitation
Apply semi-quantitative approaches using surrogate standards and justify analytical uncertainty where authentic standards are unavailable.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with toxicology teams to assess patient risk and establish Analytical Evaluation Threshold (AET)
Partner with Device/Packaging, Process Development, and Formulation Development teams to support product lifecycle activities.
Present findings and recommendations using a data-driven approach to inform technical strategy and decision-making.
Documentation & Compliance
Author, review, and approve technical reports and documentation, ensuring scientific accuracy, data integrity, and traceability.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines and standards (USP, FDA, EMA, ICH, PQRI).
Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends and apply advancements to improve analytical capabilities.
Basic Qualifications:
BSc with at least 8 years of relevant experience
OR
MSc with at least 6 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 0+ years of experience, Strong expertise in trace-level impurity detection and identification.
Demonstrated experience with analytical instrumentation (GC-MS, LC-UV/MS, HRMS, ICP-MS).
Proven experience with sample preparation techniques (SPE, LLE, protein precipitation).
Strong understanding of structural characterization and compound identification techniques.
Experience with regulatory submissions and E&L strategy development.
Track record of scientific publications and conference presentations.
Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.