Senior GC‑MS GC‑TQ Analyst at ALS in Kelso, WA

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.

Hourly Rate: $30

Primary Responsibilities

Instrument Operation & Technical Ownership

• 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

Analytical & Production Responsibilities

• 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

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• 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

Method Development & Technical Advancement

• 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

Collaboration & Communication

• 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

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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

Required Education and Experience

• 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

Preferred Experience and Knowledge

• 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

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods during an 8‑hour workday
• Manual dexterity required for instrument maintenance and sample preparation
• Ability to read and interpret chromatograms, mass spectra, and reports
• Ability to communicate clearly with peers and management

Working at ALS

Our people are our greatest asset and the foundation of our success. ALS is a diverse, inclusive community of professionals united by a shared purpose to make a meaningful difference. We recognize and reward excellence, invest in continuous learning, and provide career development opportunities across our global organization. At ALS, you will find a supportive environment that values safety, flexibility, and professional fulfillment—allowing you to build a rewarding career while making a positive impact on our people, our planet, and our communities.

About ALS

ALS is a global leader in scientific testing, delivering comprehensive analytical solutions across more than 60 countries. Serving industries including environmental, food and beverage, mining, pharmaceutical, healthcare, personal care, and equipment reliability, ALS combines state‑of‑the‑art technologies with local expertise. Our teams transform data into actionable insights—supporting safer, healthier, and more sustainable outcomes worldwide.

Everyone matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce which reflects and affirms the diversity of our society

ALS is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EOE AA Minority, Female, Veteran, Individuals with Disabilities

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ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

How to apply

Please apply on-line with your resume and outline your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

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Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence.

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities.  

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request. 

Eligibility To be eligible to work at ALS you 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.

How to apply Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.