Analytical Instruments Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PhD Analytical Chemist – R&D & Application Development

Location: Simi Valley, CA (100% On-Site)

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Research & Development / Application Sciences

Salary Range: $125,000 – $140,000 / year

About Entech Instruments

At Entech Instruments, we don't just build analytical instruments — we help protect the environment and advance scientific discovery. For over 30 years, Entech has been a global leader in sample preconcentration, headspace profiling, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) sample preparation technology.

From pioneering multi-canister automation for environmental air testing (EPA Methods TO-14A, TO-15, and TO-15A) to developing proprietary Silonite® surface inertness coatings and next-generation Sorbent Pen™ (VASE) technology, our innovations empower environmental, food safety, cannabis, material emission, and forensic laboratories worldwide. Our systems are even trusted by NASA for testing VOCs on the International Space Station.

Expanding beyond environmental analysis, Entech is actively breaking new ground in Food, Flavor, and Fragrance analysis. We are pioneering SPICE (Solid Phase Incremental Capillary Extraction) — a revolutionary preconcentration technique utilizing multiple GC capillary columns of increasing strength to perform sample enrichment while eliminating >99.99% of sample moisture from headspace or TD Tube samples. By enabling ultra-rapid GC injections with sharp peak widths of 1.5 to 2 seconds, SPICE offers vastly superior chromatographic resolution compared to traditional Dynamic Headspace (DHS) or SPME sample preparation. Furthermore, Entech is actively developing new industrial and ASTM methods to support an expanding array of global markets and applications.

We are seeking an exceptional PhD Analytical Chemist to join our team in Simi Valley, CA to drive the development of novel sample introduction technologies and high-impact analytical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• R&D & SPICE Method Development: Design, prototype, and validate innovative sample preparation and introduction systems for GC and GC-MS applications, leveraging cutting-edge techniques including SPICE (Solid Phase Incremental Capillary Extraction), thermal desorption, static/dynamic headspace, and vacuum-assisted sorbent extraction.
• Application & Method Expansion: Develop, optimize, and document robust analytical methods across Environmental, Food, Flavor, Fragrance, Industrial, and ASTM standardized testing workflows.
• Surface Chemistry & Moisture Elimination: Optimize sample enrichment and matrix management utilizing Silonite®-treated surfaces, sorbent beds, multi-capillary column traps, and transfer lines to achieve sub-2-second injection peak widths and maximum chromatographic resolution.
• Technical Documentation & Standardization: Author high-quality application notes, white papers, ASTM draft standards, and peer-reviewed articles. Present technical research at major industry conferences (e.g., Pittcon, ASMS, IFT, ACS).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to transition prototype technologies into scalable, commercial analytical instruments.
• Technical Support: Serve as a subject matter expert to assist technical sales representatives and application scientists in solving complex client challenges.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline with a research emphasis on chromatography and mass spectrometry.
• Expertise:
• In-depth theoretical and practical experience with GC and GC-MS instrumentation (Agilent, Thermo, Shimadzu, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience with preconcentration techniques, thermal desorption, purge-and-trap, headspace extraction, SPME, or capillary column enrichment.
• Experience or strong interest in developing methods for Food, Flavor, Fragrance, Environmental, or ASTM industrial applications.
• Strong foundation in physical organic chemistry, gas-phase chemical interactions, and mass spectral interpretation.
• Skills:
• Proven track record of scientific problem-solving, innovative experimental design, and peer-reviewed publications or patents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex analytical concepts clearly.
• Collaborative mindset with a strong drive to see research turn into real-world laboratory products.

Why Join Entech Instruments?

• Competitive Compensation: $125,000 – $140,000 per year base salary, plus performance bonus opportunities and clear avenues for career growth.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
• Health, Dental, and Vision coverage with company-supported HSA option.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
• Innovate with Impact: Work directly on breakthrough technologies like SPICE, ASTM method development, and solutions that solve critical challenges in environmental safety, food/flavor profiling, and industrial analysis.
• Great Location: Based in scenic Simi Valley, CA — close to Ventura County beaches and the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

How to Apply

• Ready to take your analytical expertise to the next level? Apply directly through LinkedIn with your resume/CV and a summary of your key scientific achievements or research focus.