Group Leader of Analytical Sciences

Kelly Science and Clinical is partnering with a leading agrochemical producer in their search for a Group Leader of Analytical Sciences.

The ideal candidate will provide strategic and functional leadership for the Analytical Sciences organization. This role serves as the company's senior analytical chemistry expert, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership to advance scientific excellence, operational performance, and global regulatory compliance across the product lifecycle.

Job Title: Group Leader of Analytical Sciences

Location: Commerce, CA (100% onsite)

Salary: $135-150,000 (negotiable DOE) + outstanding benefits

The Group Leader of Analytical Services will lead a high-performing team (4) responsible for the development, validation, and application of sophisticated analytical methodologies supporting research and development, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory initiatives. This leader will drive innovation in analytical capabilities, oversee complex problem solving and technical decision-making, and ensure the highest standards of data integrity, laboratory compliance, and scientific rigor.

Key Responsibilities

• Functional & Technical Leadership: Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and career development for a team of scientists with advanced degrees. Foster a culture of collaboration, scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability
• Laboratory Strategy & Innovation: Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and automation to enhance the laboratory's capabilities and throughput
• Regulatory & GLP Excellence: Supervise the preparation and technical review of analytical data packages for global regulatory submissions (EPA, OECD). Ensure the lab maintains strict adherence to GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and internal quality protocols
• Cross-Functional Integration: Translate complex chemical findings into strategic business recommendations for R&D, Manufacturing, and regulatory compliance teams
• Lead the analytical chemistry support function for Quality Control laboratories and cross-functional team needs, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting expertise, and strategic analytical chemistry oversight across the enterprise
• Strategic Method Development: Oversee the design and optimization of complex analytical methods (e.g., impurity profiling, structural elucidation, and trace analysis) using state-of-the-art instrumentation (such as HPLC/UPLC, GC, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and Spectroscopy)
• Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the ultimate technical resource for troubleshooting complex analytical challenges and interpreting non-routine data for active ingredients and formulated products
• Resource & Project Management: Manage laboratory workflows, project timelines, and the analytical budget (CAPEX/OPEX), ensuring the team has the necessary tools and guidance to meet corporate milestones.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement, identifying areas for enhancement. Implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and economy
• Staying Informed: Keeping up to date with industry trends and scientific advancements.
• Comply with all regulatory requirements
• Align and comply with all company EH&S, CHP plans and policies

Education Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred) or a closely related scientific discipline

Experience Requirements

• 8+ years of postgraduate experience in an analytical sciences environment, ideally within the Agrochemical, Pharmaceutical, or Specialty Chemical industry
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership. Proven track record of managing a technical team and leading functional lab operations
• Advanced Instrumentation Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy including structural elucidation of unknowns and complex matrix analysis.
• Regulatory Fluency: Significant experience with GLP/GMP/ISO standards and the requirements for global product registration
• Analytical Problem Solving: A history of resolving critical technical bottlenecks and managing non- conforming results through sophisticated root cause analysis
• Strong background in identifying and managing quality and compliance risks
• Excellent skills in leadership, project management, effective delegation, and budget management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate across the organization

OUTSTANDING BENEFITS

Client provides Industry leading Medical, Dental, and Vision care with very low out of pocket premiums; Life and Disability Insurance for employees and family members; Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options; 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match and Employee Stock Purchasing Plans.

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