GC ECD-FID Analyst

About this role

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 GC‑ECD / GC‑FID Analyst is a highly skilled analytical professional responsible for performing gas chromatography analyses using Electron Capture Detection (ECD) and Flame Ionization Detection (FID) in a high‑throughput environmental production laboratory. This role requires strong hands‑on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting GC‑ECD and GC‑FID instrumentation across multiple EPA and client‑specific methods, including but not limited to EPA Methods 8081, 8082, and 8015. The Analyst is expected to maintain productivity under demanding turnaround times, ensure strict regulatory compliance, independently resolve routine technical issues, and contribute to consistent, high‑quality analytical output. This position plays a critical role in delivering defensible data in support of regulatory compliance, site remediation, and environmental monitoring programs.

Primary Responsibilities Instrument Operation & Technical Ownership • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot GC‑ECD and GC‑FID systems in a regulated production environment • Perform routine instrument maintenance, including inlet maintenance, detector maintenance (ECD cell care, FID jet and collector cleaning), column installation, leak checks, and performance verification • Identify and resolve routine instrument performance issues related to sensitivity, baseline stability, retention time shifts, and peak shape • Support advanced troubleshooting activities in collaboration with senior analysts, technical specialists, and vendors • Maintain complete and accurate instrument logs, maintenance records, and run documentation in accordance with quality system requirements

Analytical & Production Responsibilities • Perform analyses using EPA 8081 (Organochlorine Pesticides), EPA 8082 (PCBs), EPA 8015 (TPH, GRO, DRO), and related GC‑ECD/GC‑FID methods • Prepare, sequence, and analyze calibration standards, QC samples, and analytical batches in accordance with method and regulatory requirements • Maintain consistent analytical throughput while meeting strict client turnaround times • Evaluate chromatographic data for integration accuracy, baseline performance, and reporting limits • Perform routine data review and reprocessing as required, documenting technical rationale for adjustments

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance • Ensure full compliance with EPA, state, client, and accreditation requirements (NELAC/TNI, DoD, etc.) • Monitor method‑specific QC parameters, including continuing calibrations, blanks, LCS, MS/MSD, surrogate recoveries, and retention time windows • Identify QA/QC exceedances and notify Laboratory Operations or QA for corrective action initiation • Support internal audits, external assessments, and client data reviews as assigned • Adhere strictly to SOPs, safety procedures, and data integrity requirements

Method Support & Continuous Improvement • Support method optimization efforts, including column selection, temperature programs, injection parameters, and detector conditions • Assist with validation studies, and implementation of client‑specific requirements under direction of senior staff • Contribute to SOP updates and method performance documentation • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to efficiency, quality, and instrument uptime

Collaboration & Communication • Communicate sample status, sequencing priorities, and potential turnaround risks to Laboratory Operations and Project Management • Document and communicate technical issues and resolutions clearly and concisely • Work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, safety‑focused, and quality‑driven laboratory environment

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Strong working knowledge of GC‑ECD and GC‑FID theory, operation, and routine troubleshooting • Working familiarity with EPA 8081, 8082, 8015, or equivalent GC‑based environmental methods • Ability to follow detailed SOPs and regulatory requirements in a production laboratory setting • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and defensibility • Ability to manage multiple analytical sequences and priorities concurrently • Effective written and verbal communication skills • Proficiency with MassHunter chromatography data systems, laboratory information systems (LIMS), and electronic recordkeeping

Required Education and Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline • Minimum of two (2) to four (4) years of hands‑on experience operating GC‑ECD and/or GC‑FID instrumentation in an environmental laboratory • Demonstrated experience performing at least one EPA GC‑ECD or GC‑FID method in a regulated laboratory environment

Preferred Experience and Knowledge • Experience performing multiple GC‑ECD and GC‑FID methods, including pesticides, PCBs, and petroleum hydrocarbons • Experience in a high‑throughput environmental production laboratory • Familiarity with DoD, state, or other highly regulated compliance programs • Experience supporting audits, corrective actions, or data package preparation • Exposure to method development, optimization, or verification activities

Physical Demands • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during an 8‑hour workday • Manual dexterity required for sample preparation and instrument maintenance • Ability to read and interpret chromatograms, QC reports, and analytical documentati

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