Chemist

Job Title: Intermediate Chemist – GC-MS

Job Description

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 laboratory setting.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional laboratory and operations teams.

Work Environment

This position is based in a high-throughput environmental testing laboratory that focuses on the analysis of samples such as water, soil, and air. The chemist works primarily with Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) instrumentation and related sample preparation equipment, including purge-and-trap systems, liquid-liquid extraction setups, and solid-phase extraction apparatus. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to standard operating procedures, QA/QC protocols, and regulatory methods such as EPA 8260 and 8270. Work is production-driven with defined turnaround times, requiring efficient task management and close collaboration with cross-functional teams. The laboratory maintains a clean, organized, and safety-focused setting, with compliance to all applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations. Appropriate laboratory attire, including the use of personal protective equipment, is required to perform daily duties safely.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holland, MI.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Holland,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $20 - $25