LC-MS Operator

Job Title: LC-MS Operator

Job Description

The LC-MS Operator plays a key role in a high-throughput bioanalytical laboratory, focusing on operating and maintaining LC-MS and HPLC instrumentation that supports a large team of chemists. This role combines hands-on instrument operation, troubleshooting, scheduling, and training responsibilities, and serves as a central point of coordination for laboratory staff and study leadership.

Responsibilities

• Start and manage analytical batches on LC-MS instruments, ensuring accurate and efficient operation.
• Independently run LC-MS instrumentation, including method execution and routine workflows.
• Operate HPLC systems on a daily basis and run instruments independently to support laboratory studies.
• Troubleshoot HPLC and LC-MS instrumentation, identify technical issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration on LC-MS and HPLC instruments in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Help with instrument training for new chemists, including demonstrating proper operation and best practices.
• Support training development related to instrumentation and laboratory procedures.
• Assist with scheduling and coordination of a large fleet of mass spectrometry systems (50+ instruments) to optimize utilization.
• Coordinate work among approximately 60 chemists, acting as a central point of contact for instrumentation-related needs.
• Serve as a "go-to" resource and informal leader for chemists who rely on the LC-MS and HPLC systems.
• Allow chemists to shadow instrumentation runs to build their knowledge and confidence with the equipment.
• Document all work thoroughly, including maintaining accurate and complete laboratory records and instrument logs.
• Communicate effectively with Study Directors regarding technical issues, corrective actions, and status updates.
• Lead or contribute to investigations into instrumentation issues, including major errors and root cause analysis.
• Identify and resolve problems such as pipetting or reagent issues that impact data quality or instrument performance.
• Organize and manage personal workload and schedule to balance batch runs, maintenance, troubleshooting, and training.
• Keep the broader team informed of instrumentation status, scheduling changes, and any issues that may affect study timelines.
• Support a collaborative team environment and actively contribute to the success of the bioanalytical group.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related life science field.
• At least 2+ years of chemistry laboratory experience, including general wet lab work and mixing chemicals.
• 2-3 years of experience running HPLC instruments on a daily basis and operating them independently.
• 2-3 years of experience troubleshooting HPLC instrumentation, including independent problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or significantly contribute to investigations into instrumentation or process issues.
• Proven experience resolving technical problems such as pipetting errors or reagent-related issues.
• Strong interest in the instrumentation aspects of laboratory work, particularly LC-MS and HPLC systems.
• Ability to work effectively with many people at once and serve as a central "go-to" person for instrumentation support.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, with many chemists relying on this person for guidance and support.
• Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to keep the team informed and aligned.
• Strong time management skills, including the ability to organize personal schedule and coordinate with team needs.
• Commitment to supporting team success and fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Solid troubleshooting mindset, including the ability to explain thought processes when resolving complex technical issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Any hands-on experience with mass spectrometry or LC-MS is a plus; training can be provided for the right candidate.
• Experience with metrology and calibration in a laboratory setting is beneficial.
• Background in training development for laboratory staff is advantageous.
• Familiarity with maintaining laboratory records and documentation to regulatory or quality standards.
• Ability to handle repetitive tasks and maintain focus and accuracy over time.
• Positive attitude and growth-oriented mindset, with interest in expanding responsibilities over time.
• Ability to thrive in a high-volume, instrumentation-focused environment with multiple concurrent demands.
• Eligibility for merit-based pay raises and conversion to full-time employment, subject to performance and company policies.
• Access to comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, paid time off, paid holidays, educational assistance, employee assistance programs, and a tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan with employer match, subject to plan terms.

Work Environment

This role is based in a lab setting within a bioanalytical team of around 100 employees, with approximately 60 chemists who are primarily lab-focused. The environment is highly collaborative and instrumentation-driven, with more than 50 mass spectrometry systems in use. The LC-MS Operator works closely with chemists and Study Directors, often serving as a central point of coordination for instrument scheduling, troubleshooting, and training. The work can be repetitive due to high-throughput batch processing, and candidates should be comfortable with routine operations while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. The position offers multiple levels of responsibility, providing room to grow and expand the role over time. Standard laboratory attire and safety practices apply, and employees have access to comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life and AD&D coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, educational assistance, an employee assistance program, and a tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan with employer match, subject to applicable policies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.