Senior Scientist LC-MS

We are looking for a Senior Scientist LC-MS / Team Lead on behalf of a family-owned, growing centre of excellence in healthcare with more than 300 employees, active in medical analytics and drug development from a state-of-the-art laboratory near Ghent. The business unit you will join provides analytical services for the characterisation, assay development and quality assessment of medicines, from synthetic molecules and biologics to cell and gene therapies. With more than 25 years of experience, it supports start-ups, biotech and large pharma companies worldwide, from pre-clinical development to commercialised treatments. It acts as an extension of its clients and is known for flexibility, diligence and proactive, science-driven advice.

To support its continued growth, we are seeking a Senior Scientist LC-MS / Team Lead. In this hands-on and scientific role, you will design and run highly sensitive mass spectrometry methods that ensure the safety and compliance of pharmaceutical products. You will take scientific ownership of client projects, act as a trusted partner for clients and help your colleagues grow through coaching and knowledge sharing.

Key Responsibilities:

Method Development & Analytical Expertise

• Design, develop, optimise, qualify, validate and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS and HRMS methods, including complex sample preparation and data interpretation
• Work across synthetic modalities (small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides) and biologics (including antibodies and derivatives), and contribute to newer modalities such as CAR-T and mRNA
• Bring expertise in advanced mass spectrometry workflows, including proteomics and other omics-related applications

Quality & Compliance

• Conduct and support complex investigations, root cause analyses and method transfers
• Deliver data and reports to high scientific and quality standards, and contribute to GMP documentation
• Support lab operations in full compliance with GMP and data integrity standards

Team Leadership & Coaching

• Guide and coach colleagues through scientific support and knowledge sharing
• Foster an open, collaborative team culture and contribute to the team’s further development

Client Partnership & Innovation

• Act as scientific point of contact for clients: understand their challenges, propose solutions and discuss results
• Take scientific responsibility for project quality and progress in a dynamic CRO environment
• Explore innovative analytical approaches and emerging technologies to broaden the services offered
• Represent the organisation at scientific forums and conferences

Profile:

• PhD or Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry or a related field
• At least 8 years of relevant industry experience after a PhD, or equivalent experience with a Master’s degree
• Strong hands-on experience in LC-MS/MS and/or HRMS, chromatography and analytical method development
• Extensive practical knowledge of mass spectrometry (QqQ and Orbitrap)
• Experience in one or more therapeutic modalities or analytical applications, with the motivation to broaden your scope
• Experience with GMP method validation, transfer and documentation is an asset
• Formal team leadership experience is a plus, but not a requirement
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Strong communication and client-facing skills, translating scientific complexity into practical advice
• A pragmatic, proactive and solution-oriented mindset, able to set priorities across multiple projects

What’s on offer:

• Scientific ownership of challenging projects across a broad range of modalities, including emerging therapies
• A coaching role with room to shape the further development of the mass spectrometry team
• An open-door, family-owned organisation where continuous improvement and growth are encouraged
• A state-of-the-art laboratory in a green setting near Ghent
• An on-site role