Senior Lab Chemist - GC/MS for Environmental Response

NCSL International; Edison (NJ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NCSL International in Edison, NJ is seeking a Senior Laboratory Chemist to support EPA REAC efforts. The role emphasizes GC/MS analyses of organic compounds across air, soil, water and oil, in both mobile and fixed lab settings.

The successful candidate will collaborate with clients and project teams, manage projects from initiation to completion, and contribute to emergency response and remediation testing with a focus on accuracy and timeliness.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry with at least 30 credit hours in chemistry.
• 10 years analytical chemistry experience, incl. 5 years instrumentation.
• Experience with SW-846 methods for organic analysis in soil, water and oil.
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry, chromatography and MS.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Knowledge of hazardous waste characterization, storage and labeling.

Responsibilities

• Perform GC/MS analyses in mobile and fixed laboratory settings.
• Conduct analyses using EPA methods 8260, 8270, TO-15 and 8082A.
• Prepare standards, reagents, and environmental samples.
• Interpret mass spectral data using spectral libraries to identify compounds.
• Generate clear, accurate, and concise analytical reports.
• Perform routine instrument operation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and validate analytical methods using GC with detectors such as FID, PID and MS.
• Prepare samples using liquid-liquid extraction, Soxhlet/Soxtherm extraction and SPE.
• Safely manage and handle hazardous materials in a laboratory setting.

Skills

GC/MS operation

Analytical chemistry

EPA methods knowledge

Mass spectrometry theory

Report writing and data interpretation

Microsoft Office

Education

BS in Chemistry with at least 30 credit hours in chemistry

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Senior Laboratory Chemist
Location: Edison, NJ
Status: Full Time
Travel: Up to 10%
Salary Range: $90,000 – $100,000 (depending on experience)
Weston is seeking an experienced Senior Laboratory Chemist to support the EPA Response
Engineering Analytical Contract (REAC). The REAC program provides critical support to the
EPA during environmental emergencies and Superfund projects. Our work directly supports
emergency response efforts through environmental testing and monitoring, with the
overarching goal of protecting the environment and the health and safety of workers and the
public.
This role involves performing environmental gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
(GC/MS) analyses of organic compounds in a variety of sample matrices, including air, soil,
water, and oil. Samples are often collected during time-critical emergency responses and at
complex environmental remediation sites.
Work is conducted in both fixed laboratory environments and mobile laboratory
deployments, supporting investigations related to major environmental and emergency
response events such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, California Wildfires, and other natural or
industrial disasters.
The Senior Laboratory Chemist will serve as a technical expert, collaborating closely with
clients and project teams. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned chemist who
enjoys managing projects from initiation through completion and thrives in dynamic,
mission-driven environments.
Key Responsibilities
Perform GC/MS analyses in both mobile and fixed laboratory settings.
Conduct analyses using EPA methods such as 8260, 8270, TO-15, and 8082A.
Prepare standards, reagents, and environmental samples.
Interpret mass spectral data using spectral libraries to identify compounds.
Generate clear, accurate, and concise analytical reports.
Perform routine instrument operation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Develop and validate analytical methods using GC with detectors such as FID, PID, and
MS.
Prepare samples using techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction, Soxhlet/Soxtherm
extraction, and solid-phase extraction.
Safely manage and handle hazardous materials in a laboratory setting.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline, with
at least 30 credit hours in chemistry.
Minimum of 10 years of analytical chemistry experience, including at least 5 years of
hands-on instrumentation experience.
Experience with SW-846 methods for organic analysis in soil, water, and oil.
Strong understanding of organic chemistry fundamentals, chromatography, and mass
spectrometry theory.
Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Knowledge of hazardous waste characterization, storage, and labeling requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Toxic Organic (TO) air methods.
Knowledge of vapor intrusion sampling techniques, including passivated (Summa)
canisters and Tedlar bags.
Familiarity with the Incident Command System (ICS) framework (ICS 100, 200, 700, 800);
certification is a plus.
40-hour HAZWOPER certification.
Strong knowledge of EPA analytical methods and environmental regulations.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to travel for field assignments, including mobile laboratory deployments