Senior GC‑MS GC‑TQ Analyst

ALS•Kelso, WA

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 Senior GC‑MS / GC‑MS/MS Analyst is a technical leader and subject‑matter expert responsible for high‑complexity analytical testing in a high‑throughput production laboratory. This role requires extensive hands‑on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting GC‑MS and GC‑MS/MS instrumentation across multiple EPA and client‑specific methods, including but not limited to EPA Methods 8270 and 625. The Senior Analyst is expected to maintain productivity under demanding turnaround times, independently resolve technical challenges, ensure strict regulatory compliance, and contribute to method expansion, optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Advanced technical understanding of GC‑MS and GC‑MS/MS theory, operation, and troubleshooting
Strong working knowledge of EPA 8270, EPA 625, and related GC‑MS methodologies
Ability to execute multiple analytical methods concurrently in a high‑volume production environment
Proven ability to perform under pressure while meeting strict client turnaround requirements
Excellent attention to detail with strong analytical judgment
Effective technical documentation and communication skills
Proficiency with laboratory information systems, data processing software, and electronic records
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
Minimum of five (5) years of hands‑on experience operating and maintaining GC‑MS and/or GC‑MS/MS instrumentation
Demonstrated experience performing EPA 8270 and EPA 625 in a regulated environmental laboratory

Nice To Haves

Experience performing multiple GC‑MS based EPA or client‑specific methods beyond 625 and 8270
Direct involvement in method development, method optimization, or validation
Experience in a high‑throughput environmental production laboratory
Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) or other highly regulated compliance programs
Experience supporting audits and defensible data packages

Responsibilities

Independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot GC‑MS and GC‑MS/MS systems in a production environment
Perform routine and advanced maintenance, including source cleaning, tuning, vacuum system diagnostics, column replacement, and performance verification
Diagnose complex instrument and method performance issues, implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime
Serve as a technical resource for instrument performance, repairs, and vendor interactions
Maintain accurate and complete instrument logs, maintenance records, and run documentation
Perform analyses using EPA 8270, EPA 625, and additional GC‑MS‑based methods, including modified and client‑specific protocols
Execute calibrations, QC samples, and analytical batches in accordance with method, regulatory, and quality system requirements
Maintain consistent productivity in a deadline‑driven production laboratory, balancing throughput with data quality
Review chromatographic and mass spectral data for integration accuracy, compound identification, and reporting limits
Conduct complex data review, reprocessing, and technical justifications as needed
Ensure full compliance with EPA, state, client, and accreditation requirements
Evaluate and trend QA/QC metrics, including internal standards, surrogates, blanks, LCS, MS/MSD, and calibration criteria
Identify non‑conformances and initiate corrective actions in collaboration with QA and Laboratory Operations
Support regulatory audits, client assessments, and data package reviews
Assist with SOP updates, technical deviations, and continuous improvement initiatives
Support method development, method modification, and validation activities for existing and new GC‑MS applications
Evaluate new columns, conditions, extraction approaches, and instrumentation to improve performance or expand capability
Assist in developing technical documentation, validation summaries, and method performance studies
Provide technical mentoring and guidance to junior analysts on advanced analytical and troubleshooting techniques
Communicate sequencing priorities, turnaround risks, and technical issues to Laboratory Operations, QA, and Project Management
Provide clear documentation and explanations for analytical challenges or deviations
Contribute to a safety‑focused, quality‑driven, and collaborative laboratory culture