Chemist

About the role

The Chemist will develop, optimize, validate, and implement EPA drinking water and UCMR analytical methods in an accredited laboratory. They ensure methods and data packages meet regulatory requirements and internal quality standards through robust quality control, documentation, and data review.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and implement analytical methods for organic contaminants in drinking water testing using the EPA Standard Methods
• Apply data integrity and defensibility principles, including independent data review, chromatogram and mass spectral review, ion ratio/confirmation criteria, and audit trails for data changes
• Design and execute method validation studies in accordance with EPA standard methods (e.g., MDLs, precision, accuracy, linearity, range, and robustness)
• Determine method detection limits (MDLs), reporting limits, and quality control acceptance criteria
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive reports and support documentation for certification and audit purposes
• Evaluate method performance and implement improvements to enhance sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency
• Provide training and technical support to routine laboratory staff on the validated methods
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality documentation
• Troubleshoot complex analytical and instrumentation issues across GC-MS and LC-MS/MS
• Ensure all methods comply with EPA requirements for drinking water analysis
• Support internal and external audits, including responses to findings and corrective actions
• Collaborate with QA staff, project managers, and laboratory leadership on method implementation and compliance strategy

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, or related field (required)
• Work Experience: 2-5+ years of experience in an environmental laboratory
• Demonstrated experience in method development, validation, and routine analysis
• Experience operating under a Quality Management System (QMS)

Technical Expertise

• GC-MS, e.g., VOCs, SVOCs, disinfection byproducts: Triazine pesticides and their degradation products, phenols
• LC/MS/MS, e.g., pharmaceuticals and personal care products, pesticides and fungicides, urea pesticides, carbamate pesticides, cyanotoxins, pesticides and their degradation products, Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)
• Demonstrated experience implementing EPA drinking‑water analytical methods (not just running them), including method setup, optimization, validation/verification, QC development, and documentation
• Hands‑on experience with EPA drinking‑water methods, including a significant subset (≥50%) of the following methods:
• LC‑MS/MS – Drinking Water: EPA Method 542, EPA Method 562, EPA Method 559, EPA Method 531, EPA Method 538, EPA Method 540, EPA Method 535, EPA Method 549, EPA Method 521, EPA Method 525, and EPA Method 1694.
• GC‑MS – Drinking Water: EPA Method 523, EPA Method 515, EPA Method 527, EPA Method 528, EPA Method 525, and EPA Method 524.
• Technical Expertise On Other Lab Techniques (nice-to-have): Experience with sample prep techniques, EG, SPE, LLE (liquid - liquid extraction).
• HPLC/UV detector, UPLC-PDA.

Skills & Abilities

• Communicate effectively with the team regarding method readiness, risks, timelines, and regulatory expectations
• Maintain a strong safety culture and comply with laboratory environmental health and safety requirements
• Comply with our client's goals to maintain a high standard of professionalism and respect
• Able to multitask and work with minimal supervision while collaborating cross‑functionally
• Excellent documentation skills
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Physical/Mental Demands

• Remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time
• Operating a computer and laboratory instrumentation
• Frequent communication with other people, both within and outside of our client's workplace
• Frequent conducting equipment inspections
• Ability to handle the stress associated with meeting frequent, multiple, and tight deadlines
• Consistent demonstration of mental stability and ability to have regular, reliable, and predictable attendance