PFASs Forensics Discipline Leader

PFASs Forensics Discipline Leader

CDM Smith is seeking a dynamic and experienced PFASs Forensics Discipline Leader to oversee, strengthen, and expand our PFASs technical services. This individual will serve as a recognized technical expert and strategic leader supporting clients domestically and internationally.

In this role, the PFAS Discipline Leader will apply deep technical expertise in PFAS chemistry, forensic applications of analytical chemistry and PFASs environmental fate to maintain quality in this complex topic, oversee and expand our PFASs Forensics services and assist in differentiating CDM Smith by bringing cutting our edge technical services to clients.

This leader will collaborate closely with CDM Smith's project managers, technical experts, research and development teams, and marketing professionals to advance innovative PFASs solutions and expand the firm's capabilities. The role will also include leading or supporting business development opportunities, technical sales, client engagement, proposal development, and thought leadership related to PFAS characterization and forensics to support source allocation.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in PFAS forensics, with a publication record, conference presentations, and demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a diverse array of audiences including clients, regulators, and technical audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of PFASs forensic services by providing robust identification of PFASs to support allocation of responsibility for detections. Advance technical strategies, strengthen the effective application of PFASs detection using multiple chemical analytical methods.
• Apply expertise in PFASs detection, uses, manufacturing processes, fate, transport, and transformation to enhance CDM Smith's technical reputation in PFASs forensics.
• Assist with technical sales, client engagement, project delivery, proposal development, and business development strategies related to PFASs forensics, characterization, and treatment.
• Support ongoing research and development initiatives related to PFAS characterization and application of emerging analytical methods.
• Provide oversight to AI tools used to assist with PFASs characterization.
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff, facilitate knowledge transfer, and support professional growth.
• Take ownership of marketing materials such as fact sheets and project descriptions. Proactively position CDM Smith for new and existing client opportunities.

What You Bring

Education and Specialized Experience

• PhD in PFASs forensics.
• More than five years of experience with a concentrated focus on PFASs and forensic tools to identify them.
• Detailed understanding of PFAS chemistry, uses, manufacturing processes, fate and transport, and precursor transformation.
• History of commercial projects where PFASs Forensic tools, i.e., non-targeted analyses, have been applied.

Technical Expertise

• Expertise using high-resolution mass spectrometry, including Orbitrap and QTOF platforms.
• Experience using the NIST database.
• Experience with analytical methods such as CIC, TOP, NMR, and related approaches.
• Strong understanding of sample preparation protocols and inherent biases, including matrix effects and PFAS extraction inefficiencies.

Professional Visibility and Communication

• Record of publications.
• Conference presentation experience.
• Strong scientific communication skills.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in states where an EIT is not obtainable (within 18 months of hire or promotion or transfer).
• 5 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active membership in a related professional organization
• PhD in PFASs Forensics

Amount of Travel Required

• 20% – 40%

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual…