LC-MS Operator

Job Title: LC-MS Operator Job Description
The LC-MS Operator plays a key role in a high-throughput bioanalytical laboratory by independently operating and maintaining LC-MS and HPLC instrumentation, coordinating schedules for a large team of chemists, and serving as a primary technical resource for instrument-related issues. This role focuses heavily on instrumentation, including batch setup, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance, while also providing training and guidance to chemists and supporting study teams with timely and accurate data. The position offers multiple career levels with increasing responsibilities, opportunities to expand the role over time, and a comprehensive benefits package.
Responsibilities
- Start and manage analytical batches on LC-MS instruments in a high-throughput laboratory environment.
- Independently operate LC-MS instrumentation, ensuring consistent, reliable, and accurate performance.
- Run HPLC instrumentation on a daily basis and oversee the full operation of the instruments independently.
- Coordinate scheduling and utilization of a large fleet of mass spectrometry systems, including more than 50 instruments.
- Support and coordinate approximately 60 chemists, acting as a primary point of contact for instrumentation needs.
- Provide hands-on instrument training to new chemists and support their development in running LC-MS and HPLC systems.
- Allow chemists to shadow instrumentation runs and demonstrate best practices for operating and maintaining instruments.
- Troubleshoot LC-MS and HPLC instrumentation issues, including diagnosing technical problems and identifying root causes.
- Conduct routine maintenance and calibration on LC-MS and HPLC instruments to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
- Identify technical issues such as pipetting problems, reagent issues, or method-related errors and work through them methodically.
- Lead or contribute to investigations related to instrument performance, data quality issues, or laboratory deviations.
- Communicate effectively with Study Directors regarding instrumentation issues, corrective actions, and status updates.
- Document all work thoroughly, including maintaining accurate and complete laboratory records and instrument logs.
- Assist in the development and implementation of training materials and procedures related to instrumentation use and troubleshooting.
- Manage personal workload and schedule efficiently while balancing multiple requests from chemists and study teams.
- Act as a go-to resource and informal leader for instrumentation support, ensuring chemists receive timely assistance.
- Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth laboratory operations and support overall project timelines.
- Maintain a strong focus on quality, accuracy, and compliance with laboratory procedures and standards.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to instrumentation, workflows, and training within the bioanalytical team.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related life science discipline.
- 2+ years of chemistry laboratory experience, including general wet lab work and handling and mixing chemicals.
- 23 years of experience operating HPLC instrumentation on a daily basis and running the instrument independently.
- 23 years of experience troubleshooting HPLC instrumentation, including diagnosing and resolving technical issues.
- Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot instrumentation and lead or contribute to technical investigations.
- Strong interest in the instrumentation-focused aspects of laboratory work, particularly LC-MS and HPLC systems.
- Foundational knowledge of mass spectrometry and LC-MS principles, with willingness to deepen expertise.
- Solid understanding of metrology, calibration, and routine maintenance practices for analytical instruments.
- Experience working in a laboratory environment with a focus on analytical chemistry or bioanalysis.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to keep chemists, Study Directors, and team members informed and aligned.
- Proven ability to manage time effectively, organize personal workload, and handle multiple concurrent requests.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a large team and serve as a reliable resource for colleagues.
- Motivated, proactive attitude with a focus on problem solving and continuous improvement.
- Commitment to team success and a collaborative mindset, supporting others and sharing knowledge.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with LC-MS instrumentation is highly valued; training will be provided for candidates with strong HPLC and instrumentation backgrounds.
- Any prior hands-on experience with mass spectrometry or LC-MS workflows is a plus.
- Familiarity with Analyst software or similar LC-MS data acquisition and processing tools is advantageous.
- Experience developing or delivering training for laboratory staff on instrumentation use or troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated experience identifying and resolving issues such as pipetting errors, reagent problems, or method deviations.
- Experience coordinating or supporting a large group of chemists or laboratory staff is beneficial.
- Proven ability to act as an informal leader or go-to person for technical questions and support.
- Strong documentation skills, including maintaining detailed lab records and instrument logs.
- Ability to remain effective and organized in a role that may involve repetitive tasks and high-volume workflows.
- Interest in growing into higher responsibility levels within the role, with multiple levels (13) available and increased responsibilities over time.
Work Environment
The role is based in a laboratory setting within a bioanalytical team of approximately 100 employees, including around 60 chemists, and is heavily lab-focused with extensive hands-on work with LC-MS and HPLC instrumentation. The environment involves coordinating and scheduling more than 50 mass spectrometry systems, working closely with chemists and Study Directors, and serving as a central resource for instrumentation support. The position offers structured career progression with multiple levels and room to expand responsibilities over time. The organization provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; short-term and long-term disability; life and AD&D insurance; paid time off at an accrual rate of 24 days per year (prorated in the first year); seven paid holidays per year (subject to work schedule); educational assistance; an employee assistance program; and participation in a tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan with employer match after six months of employment. Pay increases may be available through conversion to full-time employment and annual merit raises based on performance. The culture emphasizes teamwork, communication, and a supportive environment where employees can develop their technical skills and grow their careers.
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 12, 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.

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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
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It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
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