Collaboration Scientist - LC/MS

Collaboration Scientist - LC/MS
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Salary: $110,000 - $115,000 per year
* Based on your location, a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is available as part of the total compensation package

Who are we?

Established in 1975, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is one of the largest suppliers of analytical instrumentation, physical testing, and environmental monitoring systems in the world. Ground-breaking scientific research, manufacturing ideas and results continue to propel Shimazu's outstanding reputation and "Excellence in Science." People dedicated to our mission have the largest impact on Shimadzu's continued growth and success. Would YOU like to join a diverse team of professionals working together with researchers, scientists and manufacturers to help better lives worldwide?

What can Shimadzu offer YOU?

• Our Culture - A work environment that values diversity, inclusion & belonging
• Competitive Compensation - Day 1 Benefits & Competitive Salary
• Retirement Benefits - Matching 401K & Profit-Sharing Program
• Professional Growth - Clear pathways for Career, Leadership and Personal Development
• Health Benefits - Flexible Spending/Health Savings Accounts
• Work-Life Balance - Generous & Front-Loaded Paid Time Off Plan
• Education - Tuition Assistance Program for both graduate and undergraduate levels
• Insurance Perks - Pet Insurance, optional Identity theft, legal pre-paid and critical care buy-up insurance benefits, generous company paid life insurance & short-term disability programs
• Work Flexibility - Business casual Dress Attire & casual (jeans) Friday!
• Employee Engagement - Employee Resource Groups to network, build a sense of community and enhance one's career and personal development

Position Summary:

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is seeking a Collaboration Scientist to join our R&D Center and support the development of advanced technologies and global products for the North American pharmaceutical market. This role is part of the Product Strategy Group and will focus on evaluating new product concepts, testing prototype technologies, generating reliable scientific data, and gathering meaningful feedback through customer and collaborator engagement.

The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on expertise in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, especially LC and LC/MS applications used in pharmaceutical research and development. This is a strong opportunity for a scientist who wants to stay close to the laboratory while also contributing to product strategy, customer discovery, and future technology direction.

JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Conduct proof-of-concept experiments using prototype products to evaluate new product concepts, specifications, and technical feasibility
• Acquire, analyze, and interpret data related to LC, LC/MS, and high-resolution accurate-mass instrumentation
• Communicate with collaborators and customers to capture feedback on product performance, technical challenges, and unmet needs
• Create clear reports summarizing project progress, experimental outcomes, customer feedback, and recommendations
• Participate in internal team discussions to help determine future R&D actions, product modifications, and new ideas
• Present evaluation outcomes and technical findings to internal stakeholders
• Inspect, maintain, and support R&D laboratory facilities, including procurement of consumables, replacement parts, and other items that improve safety and efficiency
• Conduct preventive maintenance of analytical instruments and maintain proper laboratory housekeeping standards
• Attend customer interviews and provide technical input regarding the importance, feasibility, and scientific value of customer-facing needs
• Propose and test new ideas that may address customer demands or improve future product concepts
• Stay current on technology trends in LC, LC/MS, automation, and pharmaceutical research applications
• Attend relevant conferences, workshops, discussion groups, and scientific events to gather market and technology insight
• Collaborate with marketing teams to support promotional activities, including webinars, scientific conferences, seminars, and other technical events
• Support global collaboration with stakeholders, including periodic communication with teams in Japan

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical science, or a closely related field is required
• A master's degree or Ph.D. is preferred
• At least 5 years of experience working as a scientist conducting experimental procedures
• Strong hands-on experience with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, including principles, operation, data analysis, and application development
• Experience in a pharmaceutical company, CRO, CDMO, instrument company, or comparable scientific environment is preferred
• Strong understanding of how LC and LC/MS are used in pharmaceutical research and development
• Ability to troubleshoot technical challenges using scientific reasoning, research articles, knowledgebases, and experimental data
• Ability to identify and understand key technologies, scientific insights, and customer needs
• Strong report-writing skills, including the ability to create comprehensive, well-structured scientific documentation
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills using accurate scientific terminology
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a diverse, cross-functional, and global work environment

Compensation & Benefits:

This full-time, exempt position comes with a comprehensive benefits package. In your first year, you will receive 10 paid vacation days, 8 paid personal days, 8 paid scheduled holidays and 3 paid floating holidays (Residents of California and Puerto Rico will receive state-mandated sick leave instead of personal days). After one year of employment, you will also be eligible for a generous short-term disability program with the company covering 100% of monthly premiums.

The starting salary range for this role is $110,000 to $115,000 annually, paid semi-monthly. Additional variable compensation may include a discretionary year-end bonus based on overall company performance.

For more details on benefits, please visit www.ssi.shimadzu.com/jobs.

Shimadzu is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Shimadzu via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position (and agency was requested to work the requisition) will be deemed the sole property of Shimadzu. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Shimadzu as a result of the referral or through other means.

EEO Statement:

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please click here.

Functional Expert - Considered a thought leader on a subject
Innovative - Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Team Player - Works well as a member of a group
Thought Provoking - Capable of making others think deeply on a subject

PHD of Analytical Chemistry (preferred)
Bachelors of Chemistry (required)

Skills