HPLC Analyst / Analytical Chemist

HPLC Analyst / Analytical Chemist – Peptide Testing

Vanguard Laboratory | Olympia, Washington
Full-time and part-time schedules available

Vanguard Laboratory is hiring an analyst to prepare peptide samples, operate HPLC systems, and review chromatographic data in a busy analytical laboratory.

We are looking for someone who enjoys hands-on bench work, stays organized through large sample batches, and can produce accurate results efficiently. Your main responsibilities will be sample preparation, HPLC analysis, peak integration, calculations, and documenting results.

Hands-on HPLC experience is required. Previous peptide testing experience is preferred, but we can train an experienced HPLC analyst on our peptide methods.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare peptide samples for identity, chromatographic purity, and quantity testing.
• Accurately weigh materials, reconstitute samples, prepare dilutions, and track preparation factors.
• Prepare reference standards, calibration solutions, controls, mobile phases, and reagents.
• Build and run HPLC sequences containing samples, standards, blanks, and quality controls.
• Process large batches of chromatographic data, review peak integration, evaluate calibration curves, and calculate results.
• Check retention times, peak shape, resolution, baseline quality, carryover, and replicate agreement.
• Recognize questionable results, preparation errors, failed controls, and instrument problems.
• Perform routine HPLC maintenance and troubleshoot leaks, pressure changes, poor chromatography, and retention-time shifts.
• Maintain complete preparation records and data packages for technical review and reporting.
• Coordinate with other analysts to meet turnaround times and keep instruments productive.

This is a production-testing position. You should be comfortable performing repetitive preparation work accurately, managing multiple batches, and following samples through preparation, analysis, and data processing.

Required Experience

• Practical HPLC or UHPLC experience in a commercial, pharmaceutical, supplement, food, environmental, research, or other working laboratory.
• Experience preparing samples, standards, and serial dilutions.
• Experience reviewing chromatograms, integrating peaks, and using calibration curves for quantitative analysis.
• Strong organization, accurate calculations, and clear documentation.
• Ability to work efficiently while following methods and quality-control requirements.
• A degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.

Helpful Experience

• Peptide, pharmaceutical, small-molecule, or nutritional supplement testing.
• Agilent HPLC systems and ChemStation or OpenLab software.
• Processing large sample batches and meeting commercial turnaround times.
• HPLC troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
• ISO/IEC 17025, GMP, or GLP laboratory experience.
• LC-MS or LC-MS/MS experience.

You do not need experience with every instrument in our laboratory to qualify.

Available Schedules

Tell us which schedule or schedules you can work:

• Saturday–Tuesday: four 10-hour shifts.
• Thursday–Sunday: four 10-hour shifts.
• Monday–Friday: 2:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
• Friday–Sunday: three 12-hour shifts.
• Saturday–Sunday: part-time.

These are ongoing shift assignments. Please apply for a schedule you can maintain long term.

Compensation and Benefits

$22–$28 per hour, depending on relevant HPLC experience, sample-preparation skills, data-analysis experience, and ability to work independently.

Benefits for eligible employees include:

• Employer-matched 401(k).
• Health, dental, vision, and life-insurance options.
• Paid vacation and parental leave.
• Professional-development assistance and technical training.
• Merit-based raises.

Employees may also earn $500–$2,000 for successfully implementing a new method, depending on complexity, contribution, validation, documentation, and laboratory approval.

About Vanguard Laboratory

Vanguard Laboratory is an established, family-owned, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited analytical laboratory in Olympia, Washington. We test peptides, pharmaceuticals, supplements, food, drinking water, environmental samples, and other products.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and include a short note answering:

• Which available schedules can you work?
• Which HPLC instruments and software have you personally used?
• What samples have you prepared, and have you independently processed chromatographic data?

Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Did you submit a cover letter? Required for Application.

Experience:

• HPLC: 1 year (Preferred)

Location:

• Olympia, WA 98502 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Olympia, WA 98502 (Required)

Work Location: In person