Analytical Chemist

Environmental Analytical Chemist - PFAS

Position Summary

The Environmental Analytical Chemist – PFAS will provide technical leadership for the development and operation of an environmental analytical laboratory focused on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This position will be responsible for PFAS sample preparation, instrumental analysis, method development and validation, data review, quality control, instrument troubleshooting, technical documentation, and laboratory training.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with environmental organic contaminant analysis, particularly PFAS, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Experience with solid-phase extraction (SPE), isotope-dilution methods, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and complementary water-quality analytical techniques is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

· Perform and oversee PFAS analysis of environmental samples, including drinking water, groundwater, wastewater, landfill leachate, soil, sediment, and biosolids.

· Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS systems and associated laboratory equipment.

· Perform and oversee SPE, sample concentration, extraction, cleanup, and other sample-preparation procedures.

· Review chromatographic data, calibration performance, isotope recoveries, internal-standard responses, blanks, matrix spikes, duplicates, and other quality-control results.

· Conduct technical and Level II data reviews to confirm data accuracy, completeness, traceability, and method compliance.

· Lead the development, optimization, validation, verification, and implementation of analytical methods.

· Support instrument installation, commissioning, qualification, method transfer, and laboratory startup activities.

· Investigate analytical problems, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

· Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, validation protocols, quality-control criteria, and technical reports.

· Establish and monitor method detection limits, reporting limits, calibration requirements, holding times, and data-acceptance criteria.

· Participate in proficiency testing, internal audits, corrective-action programs, and laboratory accreditation assessments.

· Train and mentor laboratory personnel in sample preparation, instrument operation, data processing, quality control, and laboratory safety.

· Collaborate with laboratory management, process engineers, researchers, and project teams to improve analytical workflows, data quality, productivity, and turnaround time.

· Support compliance with applicable EPA methods, NELAP requirements, ISO/IEC 17025, and Department of Defense Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program requirements, as applicable.

· Maintain safe laboratory practices when handling environmental samples, solvents, compressed gases, analytical standards, and other laboratory chemicals.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry, chemistry, environmental science, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.

· At least 5 (five) years of analytical laboratory experience, including environmental, commercial, industrial, academic, or government laboratory work.

· At least 3 (three) years of hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting LC-MS/MS instrumentation.

· Experience with environmental sample preparation, extraction, cleanup, and preconcentration techniques.

· Demonstrated understanding of chromatography, mass spectrometry, quantitative calibration, isotope dilution, matrix effects, and analytical interferences.

· Strong knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control practices.

· Experience reviewing analytical data and determining whether results meet method and project-specific acceptance criteria.

· Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, documentation, and organizational skills.

· Effective written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

· Master’s degree or PhD in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, mass spectrometry, or a related discipline.

· Direct experience analyzing PFAS in environmental matrices.

· Experience implementing or performing one or more PFAS methods, including EPA Method 1633, EPA Method 533, EPA Method 537.1, ASTM D8421, and other applicable PFAS methods.

· Experience with analytical method development, validation, verification, and method transfer.

· Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, or non-targeted and suspect-screening workflows.

· Experience with additional analytical platforms, such as GC-MS/MS, ion chromatography, combustion ion chromatography, total organic carbon analyzers, or related water-quality instrumentation.

· Experience using laboratory information management systems and chromatography data systems.

· Familiarity with NELAP, ISO/IEC 17025, or Department of Defense laboratory accreditation requirements.

· Experience preparing laboratories for audits, proficiency testing, and accreditation assessments.

· Previous experience training, mentoring, or supervising laboratory personnel.

· Experience supporting the startup or expansion of an analytical laboratory.

Physical and Safety Requirements

· Ability to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods.

· Ability to stand, sit, and perform repetitive sample-preparation activities for extended periods.

· Ability to lift and move laboratory supplies or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

· Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

· Ability to safely handle environmental samples, laboratory chemicals, solvents, compressed gases, and analytical standards.

· Ability to comply with applicable chemical hygiene, waste-management, and laboratory safety procedures.

Work Location

This position will initially be based in Cleveland, Ohio (2026-2027), with an anticipated future relocation to Colmar, Pennsylvania in 2028. Candidates must be willing and able to work at both locations based on the laboratory transition schedule.