Environmental Chemist/Data Validator

Leidos

2d•$73,450 - $132,775•Remote

About The Position

Leidos is seeking a Senior Environmental Chemist to support federal environmental remediation and restoration programs for multiple government clients. This position will provide senior-level technical expertise in environmental chemistry, chemical data validation, data quality, and environmental data management in support of site characterization, remediation, environmental compliance, waste disposal, and restoration activities. The Senior Environmental Chemist will oversee the validation and management of inorganic and organic analytical data, including PFAS and other emerging contaminants; provide technical oversight of analytical laboratory subcontractors; and ensure environmental data meet applicable project, regulatory, and quality assurance requirements. The position will also provide technical guidance and oversight to junior and mid-level chemists performing data validation activities. This role will manage environmental sample and analytical data throughout the project lifecycle, from sampling preparation and laboratory coordination through data validation, database management, usability assessment, and final reporting. This is a remote, office-based position and does not involve routine laboratory bench work.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline and at least 10 years of relevant experience in environmental chemistry, including validation of inorganic and organic analytical data and environmental data/database management.
Demonstrated experience validating analytical data for environmental investigation, remediation, restoration, or compliance programs.
Experience with PFAS analytical data and other emerging contaminants.
Experience overseeing and providing technical review of junior and mid-level chemists performing Stage 2 data validation.
Strong working knowledge of EPA SW-846 methods, Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) requirements, and environmental analytical chemistry methodologies.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate laboratory QA/QC results and determine the usability and quality of environmental analytical data.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage responsibilities across multiple projects and competing deadlines.
Self-motivated with strong analytical, problem-solving, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
Must be able to pass a Public Trust background investigation; due to contract requirements, U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent residency is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing or reviewing Stage 3 and/or Stage 4 data validation.
Working knowledge of the Department of Defense (DoD) Quality Systems Manual (QSM) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Functional Guidelines for Data Review.
Experience developing, reviewing, or implementing UFP-QAPPs for federal environmental programs.
Experience supporting CERCLA, RCRA, DoD, USACE, EPA, or other federal environmental remediation/restoration programs.
Experience with environmental data management systems such as EQuIS, ERPIMS, ADR.net, and/or FUDSChem.
Experience with database and data management tools such as Microsoft Access and SQL.
Experience managing analytical laboratory subcontractors and resolving laboratory data quality or performance issues.

Responsibilities

Perform chemical data validation and independent technical reviews of inorganic and organic analytical laboratory data packages.
Evaluate laboratory deliverables for completeness and compliance, assess quality control results, and assign appropriate data validation qualifiers based on applicable criteria.
Oversee and review Stage 2 data validation performed by junior and mid-level chemists.
Prepare data validation narratives, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reports, and data usability assessments documenting findings and conclusions.
Author, review, and implement Uniform Federal Policy Quality Assurance Project Plans (UFP-QAPPs) and associated quality assurance documentation.
Support environmental field sampling activities through database setup, sample identification, labels, chain-of-custody documentation, and review for compliance with project planning documents.
Manage environmental samples and analytical data throughout the project lifecycle using applicable environmental data management systems.
Perform quality control reviews of data entered into environmental databases, including EQuIS, ERPIMS, ADR.net, and FUDSChem.
Query, evaluate, and reconcile environmental data in response to project needs and verify final database information against laboratory-reported results.
Manage analytical laboratory subcontractors, coordinate sample delivery and analytical schedules, review laboratory performance, and resolve laboratory QA/QC deficiencies.
Coordinate closely with project managers, environmental scientists, engineers, field personnel, laboratories, and data management staff to meet project requirements and schedules.
Provide technical guidance to project managers and junior staff regarding analytical chemistry, laboratory methods, data quality, validation requirements, and interpretation of chemical data.
Support environmental investigations, site characterization, remediation, environmental permitting, effluent monitoring, waste characterization and disposal, and other environmental restoration activities.