Chemical Development Trace Analysis Scientist (LC-MS)

Location: Macclesfield, UK; based at a client pharmaceutical facility

Company

International life sciences and analytical testing organization providing pharmaceutical and other industry testing services, including on-site insourcing solutions.

What you will do

• Develop, optimize, and validate advanced trace-analysis methods using LC-MS and Orbitrap technologies.
• Detect and quantify trace-level small molecules in raw materials, intermediates, and drug substances.
• Support the assessment of mutagenic impurities, nitrosamines, and other trace analytes at parts-per-billion levels.
• Conduct complex analytical investigations, interpret scientific data, and troubleshoot instrumentation issues.
• Provide technical expertise to project teams, advise stakeholders, and contribute to trace-analysis capability development.
• Author and review analytical testing plans, method development reports, and validation protocols.

Requirements

• Degree or higher qualification in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong foundation in organic chemistry and analytical science, with pharmaceutical analytical experience in a development laboratory.
• Hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-HRMS, and LC-HRMS.
• Knowledge of drug development processes and analysis of raw materials, intermediates, and drug substances.
• Understanding of GMP requirements and experience with electronic systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong problem-solving, documentation, data-management, communication, and collaboration skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with NMR, IC, or ICP-MS.

Culture & Benefits

• Permanent full-time employment with a flexible 36.5-hour Monday-to-Friday week.
• Reward and recognition scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and long-service awards.
• Health Cash Plan, life assurance at four times annual salary, and company pension plan after three months.
• Employee Assistance Programme, volunteering days, free on-site parking, and Perkbox discounts.
• Access to worldwide career opportunities and a focus on technical excellence, continuous improvement, and professional development.

Hiring process

• Assessment centre or staged interview process, depending on the role requirements.