Chemist

Intermediate Chemist – GC-MS

The Intermediate Chemist – GC-MS performs routine and non-routine analyses using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in a high-throughput environmental testing laboratory. This role involves hands-on sample preparation, instrument operation, data interpretation, and strict adherence to established quality and regulatory standards, including EPA methods. The chemist works efficiently in a production-driven environment while maintaining high levels of data integrity, accuracy, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of environmental samples such as water, soil, and air using GC-MS techniques.
• Operate GC-MS instrumentation in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Calibrate and maintain GC-MS instruments to ensure accurate and reliable analytical performance.
• Execute analytical methods such as EPA 8260, EPA 8270, and similar GC-MS-based methods in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Conduct routine instrument performance checks, including tuning and system suitability assessments.
• Troubleshoot GC-MS instrumentation and methods to resolve analytical and operational issues.
• Prepare samples using techniques such as purge-and-trap, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), and solid-phase extraction (SPE).
• Handle samples in accordance with chain-of-custody requirements and ensure complete and accurate documentation.
• Process chromatographic and mass spectral data to identify and quantify target analytes.
• Interpret analytical results and assess data for accuracy, precision, and compliance with QA/QC criteria.
• Perform data verification and validation before releasing or reporting results.
• Enter, manage, and maintain analytical data within Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Adhere to established QA/QC protocols, including calibration verification, blanks, spikes, and duplicates.
• Identify, investigate, and help resolve quality control issues and non-conformances.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory inspections by providing documentation and technical information as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with laboratory policies.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations in daily laboratory activities.
• Assist in method development and optimization to improve analytical performance and efficiency.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on laboratory workflows, quality, and throughput.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet client turnaround times and production goals.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in an analytical or environmental laboratory.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry and practical laboratory techniques.
• Proficiency in operating, calibrating, and maintaining GC-MS instrumentation.
• Experience executing EPA methods such as 8260, 8270, or similar GC-MS-based methods.
• Ability to perform sample preparation using techniques such as purge-and-trap, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), and solid-phase extraction (SPE).
• Competence in processing and interpreting chromatographic and mass spectral data.
• Familiarity with QA/QC practices, including calibration verification, blanks, spikes, duplicates, and data validation.
• Ability to troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation issues in a timely manner.
• Experience working within a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or similar data management tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and accuracy.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-throughput, production-driven laboratory environment.
• Solid understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations as they apply to laboratory operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in an environmental testing laboratory analyzing water, soil, or air samples.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and environmental compliance requirements related to EPA methods.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits and regulatory inspections.
• Exposure to method development and optimization in an analytical…