Senior Field Applications Specialist – Mass Spectrometry

Roche•San Diego, CA

1d•$80,300 - $149,100•Remote

About The Position

As a Senior Field Applications Specialist (Sr. FAS) – Mass Spectrometry, you will be a key member of our Customer Support team and the primary scientific and technical authority for Roche’s novel automated mass spectrometry solution, the cobas i601, in customer laboratories within the Core Lab space. Because fully automated mass spectrometry is a transformative, novel technology in a clinical market accustomed to traditional LC-MS/MS workflows, you will play a critical role in bridging the gap between complex analytical chemistry and automated routine testing. You will be responsible for building customer confidence, facilitating pre-sales technical adoption, delivering robust clinical training, and guiding labs through assay validation and regulatory compliance. This is a field-base role - overnight travel within a designated territory West Coast (San Diego/ Los Angeles) is expected > 80% of the time, depending on regional customer implementation and pre-sales needs. A company vehicle is provided with this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Information Technology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biology or Clinical Laboratory or equivalent work experience.
3 + years of experience implementing and evaluating complex laboratory, IT products, medical diagnostic equipment, reagents and/andor systems.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of direct, hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting mass spectrometry platforms (LC-MS/MS) in a clinical, reference, or diagnostic laboratory setting.
In-depth understanding of mass spectrometry fundamentals, including triple-quadrupole systems, ionization techniques (ESI/APCI), chromatographic separations, sample preparation techniques, and quantitative data analysis.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders (lab directors, technicians, procurement teams).
Advanced Degree: Master’s or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related clinical science with a focus on LC-MS/MS.
Clinical Certifications: Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist (ASCP/AMT) or Board Certification in Clinical Chemistry / Toxicological Chemistry.
Regulatory Expertise: Strong working knowledge of clinical laboratory regulatory standards (CLIA, CAP, FDA, CLSI validation guidelines) specifically as they apply to clinical mass spectrometry and laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) / IVDs.
Sales Collaboration: Prior pre-sales support, application consulting, or customer-facing experience explaining novel diagnostic platforms.
Automation Knowledge: Experience with automated liquid handling, integrated automated front-end sample preparation, or automated clinical chemistry/immunoassay systems (e.g., cobas platforms).
Troubleshooting Excellence: Proven track record of independently diagnosing complex analytical, chromatographic, or hardware issues.
Consultative Drive: Exceptional interpersonal, coaching, and stakeholder management skills with a passion for driving paradigm shifts in clinical lab operations.

Responsibilities

Drive Scientific Adoption & Market Trust: Consult with clinical laboratory directors, pathologists, and LC-MS specialists to communicate the fundamental science, reliability, and operational advantages of automated mass spectrometry over traditional manual LC-MS/MS systems.
Pre-Sales Technical & Consultative Support: Partner with the commercial sales team as a subject matter expert. Lead technical presentations, address deep analytical and methodology concerns (e.g., ion suppression, matrix effects, mass accuracy, sensitivity), demonstrate menu expansion, and guide potential buyers through the transition to automated mass spec.
Method Validation & Regulatory Compliance: Guide lab personnel through assay implementation, verification, and validation protocols (CLSI guidelines, CAP, CLIA, ISO requirements) to ensure full regulatory compliance and seamless go-live status.
Build & Maintain Key Relationships: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring high customer satisfaction and positioning Roche as a long-term partner in clinical diagnostic excellence.
System Implementation & Application: Assist with the installation of mass spec instrumentation, automated front-end sample prep, and software applications in customer labs. Validate system performance to ensure it consistently meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications.
Deliver Comprehensive Training: Deliver on-site training to laboratory personnel on the operation, routine maintenance, theory of mass spectrometry, quality control (QC), calibration strategies, and automated data interpretation.
Advanced Technical Troubleshooting: Act as the primary on-site resource for resolving complex analytical, software, and hardware issues related to mass spectrometry and automated sample handling. Perform root cause analysis to minimize downtime.
Voice of Customer Feedback: Collect critical feedback on product performance, software usability, and workflow bottlenecks, relaying insights back to R&D and commercial leadership to drive continuous platform improvement.
Operational Execution: Follow Roche protocols, maintain accurate records in Roche’s CRM system, and handle administrative duties (travel, expense reporting) promptly.