PFASs Forensics Discipline Leader

CDM Smith; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 83,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a dynamic PFASs Forensics Discipline Leader to oversee and expand PFASs forensic services, applying deep PFAS chemistry and forensic analytics to support clients domestically and internationally.

The role requires leadership in PFASs detection, method development, and business development, with a track record of publications and conference presentations. Travel to supported client sites may be required.

Qualifications

• PhD in PFASs forensics with demonstrated research output.
• Experience applying PFAS forensic tools in commercial projects.
• Strong understanding of PFAS chemistry, fate, transport, and precursor transformation.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Oversee PFASs forensic services, identifying PFASs and allocating detections.
• Lead development of PFASs forensics capabilities and client-ready materials.
• Support technical sales, client engagement, and proposal development.
• Guide and mentor junior staff and facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Direct marketing materials and thought leadership in PFAS characterization.
• Collaborate with project managers, R&D, and marketing to advance solutions.

Skills

PFASs forensics

Technical leadership

Client communications

Publications & presentations

Education

PhD in PFASs forensics

Bachelors in Civil/Environmental/Chemical Engineering

EIT or FE certification

Tools

HRMS (Orbitrap/QTOF)

NIST database

CIC/TOP/NMR analytical methods

Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/resources/videos/meet-cdm-smith)

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co‑workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a dynamic and experienced PFASs Forensics Discipline Leader to oversee, strengthen, and expand our PFASs technical services. This individual will serve as a recognized technical expert and strategic leader supporting clients domestically and internationally.

In this role, the PFAS Discipline Leader will apply deep technical expertise in PFAS chemistry, forensic applications of analytical chemistry and PFASs environmental fate to maintain quality in this complex topic, oversee and expand our PFASs Forensics services and assist in differentiating CDM Smith by bringing cutting our edge technical services to clients.

This leader will collaborate closely with CDM Smith’s project managers, technical experts, research and development teams, and marketing professionals to advance innovative PFASs solutions and expand the firm’s capabilities. The role will also include leading or supporting business development opportunities, technical sales, client engagement, proposal development, and thought leadership related to PFAS characterization and forensics to support source allocation.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in PFAS forensics, with a publication record, conference presentations, and demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a diverse array of audiences including clients, regulators, and technical audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of PFASs forensic services by providing robust identification of PFASs to support allocation of responsibility for detections. Advance technical strategies, strengthen the effective application of PFASs detection using multiple chemical analytical methods.
• Apply expertise in PFASs detection, uses, manufacturing processes, fate, transport, and transformation to enhance CDM Smith’s technical reputation in PFASs forensics.
• Assist with technical sales, client engagement, project delivery, proposal development, and business development strategies related to PFASs forensics, characterization, and treatment.
• Support ongoing research and development initiatives related to PFAS characterization and application of emerging analytical methods.
• Provide oversight to AI tools used to assist with PFASs characterization.
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff, facilitate knowledge transfer, and support professional growth.
• Take ownership of marketing materials such as fact sheets and project descriptions. Proactively position CDM Smith for new and existing client opportunities.

What You Bring

Education and Specialized Experience

• PhD in PFASs forensics.
• More than five years of experience with a concentrated focus on PFASs and forensic tools to identify them.
• Detailed understanding of PFAS chemistry, uses, manufacturing processes, fate and transport, and precursor transformation.
• History of commercial projects where PFASs Forensic tools, i.e., non-targeted analyses, have been applied.

Technical Expertise

• Expertise using high-resolution mass spectrometry, including Orbitrap and QTOF platforms.
• Experience using the NIST database.
• Experience with analytical methods such as CIC, TOP, NMR, and related approaches.
• Strong understanding of sample preparation protocols and inherent biases, including matrix effects and PFAS extraction inefficiencies.

Professional Visibility and Communication

• Record of publications.
• Conference presentation experience.
• Strong scientific communication skills.

#LI-MO1

Skills & Abilities

Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in states where an EIT is not obtainable (within 18 months of hire or promotion or transfer).
• 5 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active membership in a related professional organization
• PhD in PFASs Forensics

Amount of Travel Required

20% - 40%

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Massachusetts Applicants

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.

Pay Range Min

USD $82,576.00

Pay Range Max

USD $136,240.00

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.