Organics Technical Specialist

ALS Global•Kelso, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Organics Technical Specialist is a site-based technical leader providing regional support for organic analytical methods and instrumentation across ALS laboratories. This role is responsible for supporting method development, optimization, and implementation while ensuring consistent analytical performance, regulatory compliance, and technical alignment across the region. The Specialist serves as a subject-matter expert across multiple organic platforms, including GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-ECD, GC-FID, and LC-MS/MS. This position leads method modernization efforts, supports troubleshooting and training, and coordinates execution of technical initiatives. During periods without active development projects, the Specialist provides hands-on analytical and data review support to maintain laboratory productivity and quality.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of organic analytical chemistry and environmental laboratory practices
Strong expertise across multiple platforms: GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-ECD, GC-FID, and LC-MS/MS
Deep understanding of EPA organic methods (e.g., 8270, 8081/8082, 8015, 625, PFAS methods, pesticides, VOC/SVOC)
Demonstrated ability to lead method development, validation, and troubleshooting efforts
Strong chromatographic and mass spectral interpretation skills
Ability to balance technical leadership with hands-on laboratory support
Excellent documentation, analytical reasoning, and communication skills
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline (Master’s preferred)
Minimum of six (6) to eight (8) years of experience in organic analytical chemistry within a regulated laboratory
Demonstrated expertise across multiple GC and LC-based platforms
Proven experience with method development, optimization, and technical leadership
Ability to work in laboratory environments and travel periodically within the region
Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods
Manual dexterity required for instrument evaluation and analytical support
Ability to interpret chromatograms, spectra, and detailed analytical reports
Must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting multiple laboratories or regional operations
Direct involvement in method innovation or emerging contaminant analysis (e.g., PFAS, trace-level pesticides)
Experience with high-resolution or advanced MS systems (triple quadrupole, tandem MS)
Familiarity with DoD ELAP and other highly regulated programs
Experience delivering formal training and mentoring technical staff

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical resource for organic analytical methods across the site and assigned regional laboratories
Provide day-to-day technical guidance to laboratory management, supervisors, and analysts
Act as an escalation point for complex analytical, method, and instrumentation issues
Support deployment and implementation of ALS technical and quality initiatives at the regional level
Identify and communicate opportunities for method improvement, standardization, and efficiency
Lead and support development, modification, and implementation of organic analytical methods across GC and LC platforms
Focus on modernization and expansion of capabilities including emerging contaminants, low-level detection, and improved throughput
Design and execute method validation, verification, and equivalency studies in compliance with EPA, client, and accreditation requirements
Evaluate new technologies, columns, extraction techniques, and workflows to enhance laboratory capabilities
Document method development efforts through validation summaries, SOP updates, and technical reports
Own assigned organic methods and instrumentation, including GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-ECD, GC-FID, and LC-MS/MS systems
Ensure methods are maintained, optimized, and consistently executed across laboratories
Monitor instrument and method performance metrics to identify trends and implement corrective actions
Support configuration optimization including chromatography conditions, ionization parameters, detector settings, and acquisition methods
Lead advanced troubleshooting efforts for chromatographic, mass spectral, and method performance issues
Address challenges related to sensitivity, interferences, carryover, calibration performance, and compound identification
Provide technical support for complex data interpretation and reprocessing decisions
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance data quality, robustness, and efficiency
Perform organic analyses during periods without active technical projects to support laboratory throughput
Assist with data review, QC evaluation, and technical validation for GC and LC-based methods
Provide expert judgment for complex identification, integration, and QC issues
Ensure all analytical work meets quality system, regulatory, and client requirements
Deliver technical training across organic platforms, including GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-ECD, GC-FID, and LC-MS/MS
Support onboarding and skill development of analysts and technical staff
Provide hands-on coaching in troubleshooting, method execution, and data interpretation
Promote standardization and best practices across laboratories
Ensure all organic methods comply with EPA, state, client, and accreditation requirements (TNI/NELAC, DoD ELAP, etc.)
Support internal audits, external assessments, and client data package reviews
Assist with technical root cause analysis, corrective actions, and audit responses
Partner with QA to maintain data integrity and consistent application of quality standards
Work closely with Laboratory Operations, QA, and regional leadership
Communicate technical risks, progress updates, and implementation plans clearly and effectively
Document technical decisions, deviations, and corrective actions in a defensible and transparent manner
Foster a collaborative, technically rigorous environment across the region