Job Description
Job DescriptionJob Title: Intermediate Chemist – GC-MS
Job Description
The Intermediate Chemist – GC-MS performs routine and non-routine analyses using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in a high-throughput environmental testing laboratory. This role involves hands-on sample preparation, instrument operation, data interpretation, and strict adherence to established quality and regulatory standards such as EPA methods. The chemist works efficiently in a production-driven environment while maintaining high levels of data integrity, accuracy, and overall analytical quality.
Responsibilities
- Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of environmental samples such as water, soil, and air using GC-MS techniques.
- Operate GC-MS instruments in accordance with standard operating procedures, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.
- Calibrate GC-MS instrumentation and perform routine tuning and performance checks to maintain optimal analytical capability.
- Execute established analytical methods, including EPA methods such as 8260, 8270, and other GC-MS-based procedures.
- Troubleshoot instrument issues, resolve routine operational problems, and minimize analytical downtime.
- Prepare samples using techniques such as purge-and-trap, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), and solid-phase extraction (SPE).
- Handle and process samples in accordance with chain-of-custody requirements and document all activities accurately.
- Ensure proper labeling, storage, and tracking of samples throughout the analytical workflow.
- Process and interpret chromatographic and mass spectral data to identify and quantify target analytes.
- Review analytical results for accuracy, precision, and compliance with established QA/QC criteria.
- Perform data verification and validation prior to releasing results for reporting.
- Enter, manage, and maintain analytical data within Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Adhere to quality assurance and quality control protocols, including calibration verification, blanks, spikes, and duplicates.
- Identify, investigate, and resolve quality control issues and non-conformances in a timely manner.
- Support internal and external audits and regulatory inspections by providing accurate records and documentation.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, following all housekeeping and safety practices.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations and laboratory policies.
- Assist in method development and optimization to improve analytical performance, efficiency, and throughput.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory to enhance quality and productivity.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet client turnaround times and support overall laboratory objectives.
Essential Skills
- Hands-on experience with Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in an analytical laboratory setting.
- Strong background in analytical chemistry with a focus on environmental testing applications.
- Proficiency in operating, calibrating, and maintaining GC-MS instrumentation.
- Experience executing EPA-based GC-MS methods, including methods such as 8260 and 8270 or similar procedures.
- Practical experience with sample preparation techniques such as purge-and-trap, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), and solid-phase extraction (SPE).
- Ability to process, interpret, and evaluate chromatographic and mass spectral data.
- Familiarity with QA/QC practices, including calibration verification, blanks, spikes, and duplicates.
- Competence in identifying and resolving quality control issues and non-conformances.
- Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data entry and management.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining data integrity and accuracy in a production-driven environment.
- Ability to work efficiently in a high-throughput laboratory while meeting deadlines and turnaround time requirements.
- Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations applicable to laboratory operations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working in an environmental testing laboratory.
- Exposure to method development and optimization for GC-MS analyses.
- Ability to support internal and external audits and regulatory inspections through accurate documentation and record-keeping.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional laboratory teams.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in laboratory processes and workflows.
Work Environment
The role is based in an environmental testing laboratory that operates in a high-throughput, production-driven setting. The chemist works with advanced analytical instrumentation, particularly GC-MS systems, and utilizes techniques such as purge-and-trap, liquid-liquid extraction, and solid-phase extraction for sample preparation. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as rigorous quality assurance and quality control protocols. Work involves regular use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and close collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet demanding client turnaround times. The laboratory is maintained as a clean, organized, and safety-focused workspace designed to support accurate and reliable environmental analyses.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Holland, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Holland,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.