TO-15 Analyst

ALS Chemex de Mexico; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS in Simi Valley, CA is seeking a TO-15 Analyst to perform GC/MS analysis of VOCs in ambient air, indoor air, and soil gas, ensuring accurate results per EPA TO-15/TO-15A and SOPs.

The role includes instrument maintenance, quality control, data review, and support for continuous improvement within the air laboratory. Weekend or overtime may be required based on workload.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis.
• Ability to interpret GC/MS data and chromatograms.
• Familiarity with EPA TO-15/TO-15A methods is a plus.
• Strong adherence to SOPs and quality systems.
• Experience in data review, documentation, and report generation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze air samples for VOCs using GC/MS per EPA TO-15/TO-15A.
• Prepare and operate sample introduction systems including preconcentrators and autosamplers.
• Perform calibrations, instrument tuning, blanks, QC samples, and data review.
• Review chromatograms, identify compounds, quantify analytes, and ensure data integrity.
• Maintain complete records in LIMS and prepare data for reporting.
• Provide instrument maintenance and troubleshooting support as needed.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Calibration

Data analysis

Quality systems

Education

BSc in Chemistry

Tools

GC/MS instrumentation

LIMS

Job description

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.

Location: Simi Valley, California

Reports to: GCMS Supervisor

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Summary

The TO-15 Analyst performs laboratory analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air, indoor air, soil gas, and related air samples using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The role is responsible for producing accurate, defensible, and timely analytical results in accordance with EPA Method TO-15/TO-15A, laboratory standard operating procedures, quality-system requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. The analyst also supports instrument maintenance, calibration, quality control, data review, troubleshooting, sample management, and continuous improvement within the Simi Valley air laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze air samples for VOCs using GC/MS in accordance with EPA TO-15, TO-15A, and laboratory SOPs.
• Prepare and operate sample introduction systems, including preconcentrators and canister autosamplers.
• Perform initial and continuing calibrations, instrument tuning, method blanks, laboratory control samples, duplicates, and other required quality-control procedures.
• Review chromatograms, identify compounds, verify integrations, evaluate spectral matches, and quantify target analytes.
• Assess analytical batches against established acceptance criteria and document any exceptions or corrective actions.
• Process samples in accordance with chain-of-custody requirements, holding times, detection-limit requirements, and project-specific instructions.
• Enter, review, and authorize analytical data in the laboratory information management system (LIMS), according to assigned authorization level.
• Maintain complete and traceable records, including preparation logs, instrument logs, calibration records, maintenance documentation, and data-review notes.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and first-line troubleshooting of GC/MS instruments, preconcentrators, autosamplers, vacuum systems, and associated equipment.
• Support canister-cleaning and certification activities, as required.
• Investigate instrument or quality-control failures and assist with root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
• Communicate promptly with supervisors and project-management personnel regarding sample issues, instrument downtime, QC concerns, and potential reporting delays.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures for handling compressed gases, cryogens, chemicals, vacuum systems, and pressurized sampling equipment.
• Participate in proficiency testing, method validation, detection-limit studies, internal audits, and quality-system activities.
• Assist with training junior analysts and documenting analyst demonstrations of capability.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and audit-ready work area.
• Support production schedules, including occasional overtime, weekend, or adjusted-shift work when workload or client commitments require it.
• Perform other laboratory duties consistent with the position.

Required Qualifications

• Practical knowledge of analytical chemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, calibration, and quantitative data analysis.
• Experience working in a production, environmental, industrial, or commercial analytical laboratory.
• Ability to interpret chromatographic and mass-spectral data accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow controlled methods and SOPs.
• Ability to manage multiple analytical batches and priorities while meeting turnaround-time requirements.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications and laboratory data systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a quality-controlled environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with EPA Method TO-15 or TO-15A.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting GC/MS systems and air-sample preconcentrators.
• Familiarity with canister preparation, cleaning, evacuation, and certification.
• Experience analyzing ambient air, indoor air, soil gas, vapor-intrusion, or landfill-gas samples.
• Familiarity with LIMS and chromatography data systems.
• Experience working under ISO/IEC 17025, NELAP, TNI, or comparable accreditation requirements.
• Knowledge of data qualifiers, manual integration requirements, method detection limits, reporting limits, and measurement traceability.
• Experience investigating nonconforming work and preparing corrective-action documentation.

Technical Competencies

• EPA TO-15 and TO-15A methodology
• GC/MS operation and maintenance
• Air preconcentration systems
• Canister sampling and handling
• Chromatographic integration and spectral interpretation
• Calibration and quality-control evaluation
• Trace-level VOC analysis
• Data integrity and technical documentation
• LIMS and chromatography software
• Root-cause analysis and instrument troubleshooting

Physical and Wor