R&D; Scientist – LC-MS/MS & GC-MS/MS Method Development

We 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.
- Strong 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 Candidate The ideal candidate is not simply an instrument operator. We are looking for someone with a solid 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