Instrument Technician – LC‑MS/MS

ALS Global•Kelso, WA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. Imagine your future with us! At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you become part of a purpose‑ and values‑driven organization that empowers innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Our global team brings passion and commitment every day—continually challenging conventional thinking to solve some of the world’s most complex problems and contribute to a safer, healthier world. Position Summary The Instrument Technician is responsible for maintaining, configuring, and supporting analytical instrumentation with a primary focus on LC‑MS/MS systems in a high‑throughput environmental laboratory. This role ensures instruments remain in a state of operational readiness, supports method changeovers, and prepares standards and mobile phases required for daily analytical production. During periods of reduced instrument workload, the Instrument Technician will support laboratory operations by assisting with sample preparation and/or analytical data review, based on operational priorities. This position plays a key role in maximizing instrument uptime, analytical efficiency, and data quality.

Requirements

Working knowledge of LC‑MS/MS system components, operation, and routine maintenance
Understanding of liquid chromatography principles, mobile phase composition, and solvent compatibility
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical SOPs precisely
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced production environment
Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting mindset
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with laboratory documentation systems and electronic records
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Science, or a related scientific discipline
Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience supporting analytical instrumentation in a laboratory environment
Hands‑on experience with LC‑MS/MS systems preferred

Nice To Haves

Experience in an environmental or regulated analytical laboratory
Familiarity with EPA LC‑MS/MS methods (e.g., PFAS, contaminants of emerging concern)
Experience preparing calibration standards and reagents for trace‑level analysis
Exposure to sample preparation techniques and analytical data review processes
Experience supporting high‑throughput production laboratories

Responsibilities

Perform routine and preventive maintenance on LC‑MS/MS systems, including pumps, autosamplers, columns, ion sources, and vacuum components
Troubleshoot routine instrument performance issues (pressure fluctuations, sensitivity loss, carryover, chromatography issues) and escalate complex issues as needed
Maintain accurate instrument maintenance logs, service records, and troubleshooting documentation
Coordinate with laboratory management, senior analysts, and vendors for advanced repairs or service interventions
Ensure instruments are clean, calibrated, and compliant with method and quality system requirements
Perform instrument changeovers between analytical methods, including column changes, mobile phase replacement, source configuration, and system equilibration
Verify system suitability following method switchovers and prior to release for analytical use
Support method‑specific configuration requirements under guidance of senior technical staff
Ensure method‑appropriate consumables, solvents, and reagents are prepared and available
Prepare calibration standards, internal standards, surrogates, and stock solutions in accordance with SOPs and method requirements
Prepare mobile phases, buffers, and reagents using appropriate purity solvents and chemicals
Label, track, and document preparation, expiration, and storage conditions for all standards and reagents
Maintain reagent preparation logs in compliance with quality and data integrity requirements
Assist with sample preparation activities, including aliquoting, extraction support, dilution, and reagent addition, as needed
Support analytical data review tasks, including basic chromatographic review, QC checks, and documentation support, commensurate with training and authorization
Provide general laboratory operational support based on shifting production priorities
Adhere to all laboratory safety procedures, chemical hygiene requirements, and PPE expectations
Ensure compliance with EPA, state, client, and accreditation requirements related to instrument operation and documentation
Follow SOPs, change control procedures, and data integrity policies at all times
Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection‑ready instrument and support workspace
Communicate instrument status, maintenance needs, and readiness to Laboratory Operations and technical staff
Document technical observations, limitations, and actions clearly and accurately
Work collaboratively with analysts, QA, and management to support laboratory throughput and quality objectives