R&D; Scientist – LC-MS/MS & GC-MS/MS Method DevelopmentWe are seeking an experienced R&D; Scientist specializing in LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS to support the development, optimization, and validation of pesticide testing methods for cannabis and cannabis products.

The primary focus of this role will be the development and implementation of analytical methods for pesticide panels based on European Pharmacopoeia (EP) requirements and Israeli cannabis pesticide requirements. The successful candidate should have strong hands-on experience with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry and be capable of independently developing methods from initial literature/regulatory review through validation and routine laboratory implementation.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and optimize pesticide testing methods using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS.
- Review EP, Israeli, and other applicable pesticide regulatory requirements and establish appropriate analyte panels and specifications.
- Develop and optimize sample preparation procedures for cannabis flower, extracts, oils, edibles, and other cannabis matrices.
- Optimize chromatographic conditions, MRM transitions, collision energies, retention times, and instrument parameters.
- Evaluate extraction efficiency, matrix effects, recovery, selectivity, sensitivity, and potential interferences.
- Establish appropriate calibration strategies, internal standards, QC samples, and system suitability requirements.
- Perform method validation including:
- Accuracy/recovery
- Precision
- Specificity/selectivity
- Linearity and calibration range
- LOD and LOQ
- Matrix effects
- Carryover
- Robustness
- Measurement uncertainty, where applicable
- Troubleshoot LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS analytical and instrumentation issues.
- Prepare method development reports, validation protocols, validation reports, SOPs, worksheets, and technical documentation.




- Transfer developed methods to routine laboratory analysts and provide training.
- Support implementation of methods within an ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.
- Work with QA and laboratory management to ensure methods meet regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Qualifications
- B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
- Strong hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, preferably triple-quadrupole systems.
- Demonstrated experience developing and validating multi-residue pesticide methods.
- Experience with cannabis, botanical products, food, pharmaceutical, or similarly complex matrices is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of sample extraction and cleanup techniques such as QuEChERS, SPE, dilution, and matrix-matched calibration.
- Experience working with regulatory or compendial analytical methods, particularly European Pharmacopoeia pesticide methods, is an asset.
- Familiarity with Israeli cannabis pesticide requirements is highly desirable.
- Experience with Agilent, SCIEX, Thermo Fisher, Waters, or Shimadzu LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS platforms is an asset.
- Solid understanding of analytical method validation and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of an R&D; project from method design through successful laboratory implementation.

Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is not simply an instrument operator. We are looking for someone with a strong analytical R&D; background who can independently troubleshoot complex cannabis matrices, develop robust multi-residue pesticide methods, achieve challenging regulatory detection limits, and successfully transfer validated methods into routine commercial laboratory testing.
- Experience developing pesticide methods specifically for cannabis using both LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS would be considered a major advantage.

📌 R&D chemist (GCMSMS and LCMSMS) (North York)
🏢 PPB Analytical
📍 North York