Company Description
Harken Research is an ISO17025 accredited testing laboratory located in Los Angeles with two core business units: consumer product testing and pharmaceutical contract research. Within the consumer product testing unit dietary supplements, food, and cosmetics are the focus – with additional testing services catering to other industries. Our strengths are our ability to offer customized testing and problem solving to address client needs; excellent customer service; and quick turnaround times.
Summary
Harken Research is seeking a Metals Chemistry Technician to support heavy metals and elemental analysis of dietary supplements, foods, and other consumer products. This role will focus primarily on sample preparation and analysis for ICP-MS testing, including digestion, sample handling, and data review.
The ideal candidate has 1–2 years of laboratory experience and strong attention to detail. Experience with ICP-MS instrumentation is highly preferred.
This is a hands-on laboratory role in a fast-paced testing environment where accuracy, organization, and efficiency are essential.
Duties
- Perform sample preparation and digestion for heavy metals and elemental analysis
- Operate and maintain ICP-MS instrumentation (training provided if needed)
- Prepare calibration standards, QC samples, and blanks
- Assist with instrument runs, sample sequences, and data processing
- Review analytical results for accuracy and completeness
- Maintain organized sample tracking and labeling to prevent mix-ups
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laboratory quality systems
- Maintain a clean and organized work area
- Assist with troubleshooting basic analytical issues when they arise
- Communicate with scientists and supervisors regarding sample status or potential issues
- Perform extractions of a wide variety of matrices including dietary supplements, beverages, and food samples and troubleshoot any solubility issues encountered.
- Help accessioning team weigh out, photograph, and homogenize samples as needed.
- Take inventory of lab supplies
- Help with lab waste disposal
- Additional duties may include: performing sample extractions and wet chemistry assays
Essential Functions
- Working in a stationary position for extended periods of time
- Working on a computer for extended periods of time
- Working in a laboratory for extended periods of time
- Maneuvering objects weighing up to 25 pounds in the course of routine laboratory work
- Communication with employees including laboratory, administrative, and sales personnel; ownership; vendors; contractors; and clients
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelors degree in relevant field (such as Chemistry or Chemical Engineering)
- Experience working in an analytical testing laboratory is preferred
- Experience with wet chemistry is preferred
- Technical proficiency with pipetting and using an analytical balance
- Experience with HPLC is a plus
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong computer skills including email, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a regulated environment (ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $23.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
- Laboratory: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Pasadena, CA 91105 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Pasadena, CA 91105: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
