Principal Scientist, Method Development (HPLC/LC-MS)

Principal Scientist, Method DevelopmentAnn Arbor, MI (On-site, 5 days/week)Our client is an analytical testing startup building a modern platform for lab testing, initially focused on consumer goods and dietary supplements. They help brands test more quickly and cost-effectively while automating regulatory compliance and turning testing into a growth driver.We’re hiring a Principal Scientist to lead and scale method development for our analytical testing lab. You will own how quickly they can validate and launch new testing methods across vitamins, botanicals, and other supplement formats, directly unblocking commercial growth. This is a senior, hands-on role for an HPLC/LCMS method development expert who wants technical ownership and clear line-of-sight to revenue impact.What you’ll do:Lead R&D to develop, optimize, and validate new analytical methods for dietary supplements, botanicals, and related products (capsules, tablets, powders, liquids).Design and execute method development using HPLC and LCMS platforms, including validation, robustness assessments, and troubleshooting.Build scalable systems, documentation, and workflows that reduce time-to-launch for new tests and lower per-sample costs.Mentor and support senior chemists and analysts on complex method development and validation, acting as the go-to technical expert.Partner with commercial and operations teams to prioritize new methods based on customer demand and revenue impact.Own the technical roadmap for expanding testing capabilities (identity, potency, concentration, and contaminant analysis such as heavy metals).Contribute to long-term planning for new lab build-outs and capability expansion in additional locations.What we’re looking for:8+ years of hands-on lab experience in food, dietary supplements, botanicals, or pharmaceutical analytical testing.PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related field, or equivalent depth of industry experience.Deep, demonstrable expertise in HPLC method development; strong experience with LCMS platforms.Proven track record of designing, validating, and transferring analytical methods into routine production.Experience testing complex product matrices (capsules, tablets, powders, liquids) for identity, potency, and concentration.Background in dietary supplements or botanicals; food science or pharma experience with heavy HPLC method development also considered.