Laboratory Analyst II (HPLC)
Company: Benzene Analytical Laboratory Inc.
Location: Scarborough, Ontario, Canada (on-site)
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Salary: $65,000 to $70,000 per year, based on experience
About us
Benzene Analytical Laboratory is a Health Canada licensed, PHAC licensed and GMP compliant testing laboratory in Scarborough, Ontario. We provide chemistry and microbiology testing for cannabis, natural health products (NHP) and related industries, and we are working toward ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. We are a growing lab, so the person in this role will have real ownership of the chemistry work and room to grow with the company.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Laboratory Analyst II who is strong on HPLC and comfortable working independently. You will run routine QC testing, develop and validate methods, carry out method transfers and support R&D projects for our clients. This is a hands-on bench role for someone who knows the full life cycle of an analytical method, from development through validation to routine use.
Key responsibilities
HPLC and analytical testing
- Perform routine and non-routine HPLC analysis, including assay, potency, related substances and content uniformity, on cannabis, NHP and pharmaceutical-type samples.
- Operate, maintain and troubleshoot HPLC systems (Agilent 1260 Infinity II with OpenLab CDS), including column care, system suitability and basic repairs.
- Carry out wet chemistry and physical tests such as loss on drying, total ash, water activity, viscosity, density, peroxide value and UV/Vis analysis.
- Prepare standards, reagents, mobile phases and samples accurately and on schedule.
Method development, validation and transfer
- Develop and optimize HPLC methods for new products and matrices.
- Write and execute method validation and verification protocols in line with ICH Q2, USP and Ph. Eur. requirements, and prepare the final reports.
- Lead method transfers from clients or partner laboratories, including protocol, comparative testing and report.
- Perform method suitability work for new sample matrices.
R&D and client projects
- Support R&D and development projects, including stability studies and investigation of new test methods.
- Review pharmacopoeial monographs (USP, Ph. Eur.) and client methods and set them up in the lab.
- Provide technical input on client questions about methods and results.
Quality and compliance
- Work in full compliance with GMP, good documentation practice and data integrity (ALCOA+) principles.
- Record all work accurately in workbooks, logbooks and the chromatography data system.
- Review data from other analysts and prepare results for Certificates of Analysis.
- Investigate out-of-specification and out-of-trend results, deviations and non-conformances, and support CAPA.
- Write and revise SOPs, test methods and controlled forms.
- Take part in client audits, regulatory inspections and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation activities.
General laboratory duties
- Perform calibration, daily verification and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Maintain inventory of standards, columns, chemicals and consumables.
- Follow all health and safety procedures and keep the lab clean and organized.
- Train and guide junior analysts as the team grows.
- Meet turnaround times while keeping results accurate.
Qualifications
Education and experience (one of the following)
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry or a related field, with 3 to 5 years of relevant laboratory experience; or
- Master’s degree in a related field, with at least 2 years of relevant experience; or
- PhD in a related field, with at least 1 year of relevant experience.
Required
- Hands-on HPLC experience in a pharmaceutical, NHP or cannabis testing laboratory.
- Proven experience in method development, method validation and method transfer.
- Experience in both QC testing and R&D work.
- Working knowledge of GMP, good documentation practice and data integrity requirements.
- Experience with a chromatography data system (OpenLab CDS, Empower or Chromeleon).
- Familiarity with USP, Ph. Eur. and ICH guidelines.
- Strong troubleshooting skills on HPLC instruments and methods.
- Clear written and spoken English, with the ability to write protocols, reports and SOPs.
- Legally eligible to work in Canada.
Nice to have
- Experience with cannabinoid potency testing or NHP assays such as vitamins and melatonin.
- Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 or with Health Canada inspections.
- Experience with UV/Vis spectrophotometry, dissolution or GC.
- Experience training or supervising junior staff.
Skills we value
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Able to work independently and manage several projects at once.
- Organized, reliable and comfortable with deadlines.
- A team player who is willing to help wherever a small, growing lab needs it.
What we offer
- Salary of $65,000 to $70,000 per year, based on experience.
- 3 weeks of paid vacation per year.
- Paid sick days and personal days.
- A free team lunch every month.
- Direct involvement in building a growing laboratory, with room to advance into senior and leadership roles.
- Broad exposure to cannabis, NHP and pharmaceutical-type testing.
How to apply
Send your resume and a short cover letter to info@benzenelab.com with the subject line “Laboratory Analyst II (HPLC)”. We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Benzene Analytical Laboratory Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
