Chemist-EPA Drinking Water Testing (Contractor)

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

About the Hiring Group

You will be responsible for developing, optimizing, validating, and implementing analytical methods supporting EPA drinking water regulations, the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), and other environmental testing programs within an accredited laboratory.

Working under general supervision, you will perform complex laboratory analyses and helps ensure analytical methods and data meet applicable regulatory, quality, and laboratory standards.

You will perform method validation and verification, conducts routine and complex analyses using GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and related instrumentation, and reviews analytical data to ensure accuracy, quality, and regulatory compliance. The role evaluates chromatograms, mass spectra, calibration and quality control data, troubleshoots analytical methods and instrumentation, and supports method implementation into routine laboratory operations.

You will contribute to proficiency testing, laboratory audits, instrument maintenance, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts while collaborating with laboratory staff, Quality Assurance, and project teams to deliver accurate, timely, and defensible analytical results.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate strong analytical skills, scientific judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality laboratory practices in support of public health and environmental protection.

NOTE: This role is classified as a contract position. The selected individual will provide services under a contractual employment through our staffing partner, HR DIrections.  Continuation of the assignment is subject to project needs, funding, and satisfactory performance. 

What You'll Do

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and implement analytical methods for organic contaminants in drinking water testing using EPA Standard Methods
• Apply data integrity and defensibility principles, including independent data review, chromatogram and mass spectral review, ion ratio/confirmation criteria, audit trails for data changes
• Design and execute method validation studies in accordance with EPA standard methods (e.g., MDL’s, precision, accuracy, linearity, range, and robustness).
• Determine method detection limits (MDLs), reporting limits, and quality control acceptance criteria.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive reports and support documentation for certification and audit purposes.
• Evaluate method performance and implement improvements to enhance sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Provide training and technical support to routine laboratory staff on the validated methods .
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex analytical and instrumentation issues across GC-MS and LC-MS-MS.
• Ensure all methods comply with EPA requirements for drinking water analysis.
• Support internal and external audits, including responses to findings and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with QA staff, project managers, and laboratory leadership on method implementation and compliance strategy.

What You'll Need

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, or related field (required)
• 3-5+ years of experience in an environmental laboratory
• Demonstrated experience in method development, validation and routine analysis.
• Experience operating under a Quality Management System (QMS)

Technical Expertise (Required):

• GC-MS e.g. VOCs, SVOCs, disinfection byproducts: Triazine pesticides and their degradation products, phenols
• LC/MS/MS e.g., pharmaceuticals and personal care products, pesticides and fungicides, urea pesticides, carbamate pesticides, cyanotoxins, pesticides and their degradation products, Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)
• Demonstrated experience implementing EPA drinking‑water analytical methods (not just running them), including method setup, optimization, validation/verification, QC development, and documentation.
• Hands‑on experience with EPA drinking‑water methods, including a significant subset (≥50%) of following methods:

Preferred

• Experience with sample prep techniques, EG, SPE, LLE (liquid - liquid extraction)
• HPLC/UV detector, UPLC-PDA

Skills & Abilities

• Communicate effectively with the team regarding method readiness, risks, timelines, and regulatory expectations.
• Organize samples for storage and retrieval in secured locations.
• Maintain a strong safety culture and comply with laboratory environmental health and safety requirements.
• Comply with RTI goals to maintain a high standard of professionalism and respect.
• Ability to multi-task and work with minimal supervision while collaborating cross‑functionally
• Excellent documentation skills
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

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EEO & Pay Equity Statements

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: 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.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.

Hiring Salary Range

$40.00-50.00 per hour