TO-15 Analyst

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 Work Requirements

• Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and perform repetitive laboratory tasks.
• Ability to handle and move sampling canisters and laboratory supplies safely.
• Ability to work around compressed gases, cryogenic materials, vacuum equipment, and pressurized systems.
• Ability to lift approximately 25–40 pounds, subject to applicable accommodations and company policy.
• Flexibility to work overtime or alternate shifts when required to meet operational needs.

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. 

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. 

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities.  

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request. 

Eligibility
To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

How to apply
Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.