Senior Scientist, Analytical Chemist

  • Maravai Life Sciences Inc
  • San Diego, California
  • Full Time

Who we are:

Maravai LifeSciences translates extraordinary science into everyday miracles, helping biotech, biopharma, and life sciences companies everywhere deliver novel vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. We are global leaders in providing products and services within the fields of nucleic acid production and biologics safety testing to many of the world's leading biopharma, vaccine, diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy companies.

At Maravai, we believe that diverse perspectives are the foundation of innovation. Through an inclusive and equitable culture where every team member is inspired to bring their best selves to work, we cultivate an environment in which we can lead together, providing differentiated value to our customers, and enabling the miracles of science. For over 35 years, Maravai's portfolio companies have served as a catalyst for innovative, lifesaving technology for humanity. Pioneering nucleotide research since its inception, we are now leading the way in the rapidly expanding mRNA market.

Your next role as a Miracle Maker

Maravai LifeSciences is seeking a #MiracleMaker to join our Research and Development team as a Senior Scientist, Analytical Chemist. In this role you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing analytical methods to characterize nucleic acid-based products such as mRNA and guide RNA. You will utilize techniques including HPLC, GE, CGE, NGS, and SEC to support method development, feasibility, and qualification along with preparing protocols, reports, and SOPs in alignment with ICH guidelines and GDP.

How you will make an impact:

  • Support the development and implementation of the methods for analysis and characterization of mRNA using SCIEX PA800 CGE system and HPLC-based SEC with UV- and MALS detection.
  • Support development and implementation of NGS and high-resolution LCMS for analysis and characterization of nucleic acids such as mRNA and gRNA.
  • Dive deep into the analysis and characterization of nucleic acid-based products utilizing an array of analytical techniques that may include various physicochemical methods such as HPLC, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, UV-Vis and fluorometry.
  • Showcase your technical prowess by maintaining and troubleshooting state-of-the-art LC, MS, and CGE instrumentation, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
  • Maintain meticulous documentation of all experimental procedures and results, contributing to a robust and reliable data repository that supports scientific advancements.
  • Author and revise analytical methods, prepare detailed technical reports and create engaging presentations that summarize procedures and study results and provide insightful data interpretations.
  • Perform laboratory work on method feasibility, method development, and method qualifications as well as providing the appropriate documentation for work in the form of protocols, reports and the development of SOPs for QC. Information will be recorded and shared through reports and group presentations.
  • Present scientific findings and observations to colleagues, management, and clients at both internal and client meetings, showcasing your expertise and contributing to informed conclusions.
  • Embrace a dynamic role by performing a variety of functions and duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the team's success.

The skills and experience that you will bring:

  • Bachelor's in chemistry, biology or a related science with 10 years of experience in analytical chemistry in life science industry.
  • Solid understanding and hands-on experience with HPLC and LCMS characterization of nucleic acid-based compounds.
  • Familiarity with Chromeleon, BioPharma Finder, or Sciex PA 800 is a plus.
  • Expertise in general analytical techniques such as UV-Vis, Karl Fischer, fluorescent plate readers, osmometers, viscometers etc.
  • Knowledge of ICH method qualification guidelines and GDP are required.
  • Knowledge of immunoassay and molecular biology-based techniques such as sequencing, ELISA, qPCR and various gel-based assays (e.g., Western blot) is a plus.
  • Familiarity with development, qualification, and validation of analytical procedures and interlaboratory method transfer.
  • Ability to think critically and creatively, have great attention to details and be able to identify appropriate resources for resolution of problems and have strong organizational and planning skills.
  • Responds well to scientific hurdles and applies significant rigor to their own work.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Computer skills (Database software, Microsoft Office Suite, JMP, Chromeleon).

The anticipated salary range for this position is $125,000 - $130,000. In addition, highly competitive long-term incentives in the form of company equity, bonus participation and company sponsored benefits are provided as part of the total compensation package. The salary offer will depend on multiple factors which may include the successful candidate's skills, experience and other qualifications, as well as the location of the role.

#LI-Onsite

The benefits of being a #MiracleMaker:

  • You have the potential to change, improve, and save lives around the world.
  • You have the opportunity to be a part owner in Maravai through RSU grants and optional employee stock purchase plans.
  • We offer comprehensive medical plans and HSA/FSA options.
  • Fertility & family planning assistance.
  • A variety of additional optional benefits and insurance options, including pet insurance.
  • Retirement contributions.
  • Holidays & Paid Time Off.

Benefits may vary by region and employment type and do not apply to temporary employees or contractors. See a comprehensive list of benefits at our Benefits & growth site at

To view more opportunities to become a #MiracleMaker, visit our career site at

Maravai LifeSciences is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation, and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Click here to view Maravai LifeSciences Privacy Notice

HIRING SCAM ALERT

Recently, individuals impersonating Maravai LifeSciences Human Resources members have offered fraudulent interviews and job offers to unsuspecting candidates. To help protect you from these scam artists, please be aware that:

  • Maravai LifeSciences will never interview a candidate over RingCentral, similar messaging apps or social media (e.g. Telegram, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.)
  • Maravai LifeSciences will never send a company check or ask an applicant to pay a fee or purchase at home work/training materials in connection with an application for employment.
  • Maravai LifeSciences will never provide excess money to an applicant and ask the applicant to write a check for repayment.

If you have any doubt about a job offer or any other communication purporting to come from Maravai LifeSciences, please reach out to us directly at .... If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, you can report this activity at: www.iC3.gov or www.stopfraud.gov.

Job ID: 489604292
Originally Posted on: 8/15/2025

Want to find more Chemistry opportunities?

Check out the 16,004 verified Chemistry jobs on iHireChemists