Principal Investigator / Study Lead – LC-MS Bioanalysis

Principal Investigator / Study Lead – LC-MS BioanalysisColumbia, Missouri (On-Site)Relocation Assistance AvailableWe are seeking an experienced Principal Investigator / Study Lead – LC-MS Bioanalysis to join a growing bioanalytical team in Columbia, Missouri. This is a senior-level scientific leadership role within a GLP-regulated CRO environment, combining hands-on LC-MS expertise with study leadership, regulatory oversight, and direct client interaction.This position is not simply a bench scientist role. The individual in this position will function as a scientific lead and Principal Investigator responsible for the oversight, execution, interpretation, and communication of regulated bioanalytical studies. The ideal candidate will understand the expectations of operating within a CRO environment where scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, timelines, and client communication are equally important.We are specifically seeking candidates with prior PI, Study Lead, Study Director, or equivalent scientific oversight experience within regulated bioanalytical programs.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as Principal Investigator / Study Lead for GLP-regulated bioanalytical studiesProvide scientific oversight for studies from initiation through final reporting and client deliveryLead bioanalytical method development, validation, troubleshooting, and sample analysis activities using LC-MS/MS platformsReview, interpret, approve, and defend scientific data generated under GLP standardsAct as the primary scientific contact for sponsors and external clients throughout the lifecycle of studiesParticipate in client meetings, study updates, scientific discussions, issue resolution, and data presentationsEnsure studies are executed in compliance with GLP, SOPs, regulatory expectations, and data integrity standardsSupport audits, inspections, deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and regulatory readiness activitiesAuthor, review, and approve technical reports, study documentation, protocols, and scientific summariesMentor junior scientists and provide technical leadership across projectsDrive scientific quality, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement initiativesSupport instrumentation oversight including maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and optimization of Shimadzu, SCIEX, or comparable LC-MS systemsCollaborate closely with Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and scientific teams to ensure successful study execution and client satisfactionRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, or related scientific disciplineMinimum 5+ years of hands-on LC-MS bioanalytical experience required; significantly more experience preferred for Principal-level considerationDirect experience functioning as a Principal Investigator, Study Lead, Study Director, or equivalent scientific lead within regulated studies is strongly preferredExtensive GLP experience is requiredStrong understanding of regulated bioanalytical method development, validation, sample analysis, reporting, and data reviewDemonstrated experience interacting directly with external clients/sponsors in a scientific leadership capacityStrong understanding of regulatory expectations, documentation practices, data integrity, and compliance requirementsAbility to independently manage multiple studies, timelines, and priorities within a fast-paced CRO environmentExcellent technical communication, presentation, and scientific writing skillsCritical Background RequirementsRecent and relevant CRO experience is highly preferred for this position.Candidates from biotech or pharmaceutical companies may also be considered if they have operated within regulated bioanalytical environments and have held responsibilities involving:GLP oversightStudy leadershipRegulatory documentationClient or sponsor interactionCross-functional scientific coordinationPlease note:Purely academic research backgrounds will generally not translate successfully into this role unless the candidate has direct experience:Operating within a GLP-regulated laboratoryManaging externally sponsored or regulated studiesActing in a PI or study leadership capacityInteracting directly with outside clients, sponsors, or regulatory stakeholdersSupporting regulated analytical workflows beyond exploratory/basic academic researchPreferred ExperienceCRO bioanalytical laboratory experiencePI / Study Director experience within regulated studiesClient-facing scientific leadership experienceExperience mentoring or leading scientific teamsExperience with Shimadzu, SCIEX, Watson, or related systemsExperience supporting regulatory submissions and audited programsAdditional InsightThis is a highly autonomous scientific leadership role within a growing team environment. The right candidate will be comfortable balancing hands-on technical work with study ownership, regulatory accountability, and client interaction.Success in this role requires strong scientific judgment, operational maturity, regulatory discipline, and the ability to function as a trusted scientific lead for both internal teams and external sponsors.If interested and qualified, please apply directly or reach out to Marina@RPMReSearch.solutions. Referrals are also appreciated.