Senior Chemist (Metals)

Spllabs; Reading (Berks County); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

SPL in Reading, PA is seeking a Senior Chemist to lead from the bench and drive laboratory performance in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. The role focuses on advanced trace metals analysis, method development, data integrity, and mentoring staff.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in ICP/ICP-MS, QA/QC, and EPA methods, with a track record of solving complex analytical challenges and supporting ISO 17025 compliant labs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive analytical lab experience in a regulated environment with leadership, training, and mentorship.
• Advanced hands-on experience with ICP and ICP-MS instrumentation including operation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience with analytical method development, validation/verification, transfer, optimization, and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of QA/QC, data integrity, CAPA, audit support, EPA methods, and TNI/NELAP requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and LIMS.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior technical resource, providing guidance, resolving escalations, and supporting workflow priorities.
• Perform advanced trace metals analysis on environmental and QC samples per EPA methods and lab procedures.
• Review and validate analytical data, results, LIMS documentation, QA/QC to identify instrument drift and sample anomalies.
• Develop, validate, transfer, and optimize analytical methods, SOPs, and controlled lab documentation.
• Train and mentor lab staff on methods, instrumentation, SOPs, QA/QC, and troubleshooting.
• Operate and maintain ICP and ICP-MS instrumentation, including calibration, maintenance, and repair.
• Lead investigations involving non-conformances, CAPA, and root cause analysis.
• Support audits, data integrity, ISO 17025, NELAC/TNI, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with leadership to improve workflow, capacity, and overall lab performance.

Skills

Analytical leadership

Mentorship

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

ICP

ICP-MS

LIMS

Job description

Description

At SPL, the work you do matters. Our teams provide trusted energy and environmental testing and measurement solutions that protect communities, support critical infrastructure, and safeguard the environment. With a nationwide footprint and opportunities for growth across multiple locations and disciplines, SPL is a place where you can build a career while making a real-world impact.

We are seeking an experienced and highly technical Senior Chemist to join our environmental lab in Reading, PA.

This is a great opportunity for a hands-on analytical expert who can lead from the bench while helping drive laboratory performance. Reporting to the Lab Manager, the Senior Chemist will serve as a key technical partner and day-to-day resource for the laboratory team, taking ownership of complex methods, instrumentation, data quality, investigations, and technical problem-solving.

The ideal candidate combines deep analytical expertise with the judgment, initiative, and communication skills needed to mentor others, resolve operational challenges, and support a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a senior technical resource, providing guidance, resolving technical escalations, and supporting workflow and turnaround priorities


• Perform advanced trace metals analysis on environmental and QC samples in accordance with EPA methods and lab procedures


• Review and validate analytical data, results, LIMS documentation, and QA/QC to identify instrument drift, matrix interferences, analytical discrepancies, and sample anomalies


• Develop, validate, transfer, and optimize analytical methods, SOPs, work instructions, and controlled lab documentation


• Train and mentor lab staff on analytical methods, instrumentation, SOPs, QA/QC, and troubleshooting


• Operate and maintain ICP and ICP-MS instrumentation, including calibration, performance verification, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair


• Lead investigations involving non-conformances, method deviations, root cause analysis, and CAPA


• Support audits, data integrity, ISO 17025, NELAC/TNI, and regulatory compliance


• Partner with leadership to improve workflow, capacity, continuous improvement initiatives, and overall lab performance


• Perform additional duties as assigned

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related scientific field


• 5+ years of progressive analytical lab experience in a regulated environment, including technical leadership, training, and mentorship


• Advanced hands-on experience with ICP and ICP-MS instrumentation, including operation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting


• Demonstrated experience with analytical method development, including validation/verification, transfer, optimization, and implementation


• Strong knowledge of QA/QC, data integrity, CAPA, audit support, EPA methods, and TNI/NELAP requirements


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and LIMS

Work Schedule

• Full-time, on-site position


• Flexibility to work overtime, including evenings or weekends, as needed to support operational demands

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay


• Annual reviews with consideration for performance-based increases


• Opportunities for career growth and advancement


• Medical, dental, and vision coverage


• 401(k) with company match


• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance


• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays


• Paid parental leave


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At SPL, we believe that a diverse team is a strong team. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please let us know.

Visa Sponsorship

At this time, SPL is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. We sincerely appreciate your interest and understanding, and we encourage you to explore other opportunities with us that may be a fit in the future.