Instrument Technician – LC‑MS/MS

  • Kelso
  • Permanent
  • Thu Apr 30 15:42:23 2026
  • R5614

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.



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.

Imagine your future with us!

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you become part of a purpose‑ and values‑driven organization that empowers innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Our global team brings passion and commitment every day—continually challenging conventional thinking to solve some of the world’s most complex problems and contribute to a safer, healthier world.



Position Summary

The Instrument Technician is responsible for maintaining, configuring, and supporting analytical instrumentation with a primary focus on LC‑MS/MS systems in a high‑throughput environmental laboratory. This role ensures instruments remain in a state of operational readiness, supports method changeovers, and prepares standards and mobile phases required for daily analytical production.

During periods of reduced instrument workload, the Instrument Technician will support laboratory operations by assisting with sample preparation and/or analytical data review, based on operational priorities. This position plays a key role in maximizing instrument uptime, analytical efficiency, and data quality.

Primary Responsibilities

Instrument Maintenance & Technical Support

  • Perform routine and preventive maintenance on LC‑MS/MS systems, including pumps, autosamplers, columns, ion sources, and vacuum components
  • Troubleshoot routine instrument performance issues (pressure fluctuations, sensitivity loss, carryover, chromatography issues) and escalate complex issues as needed
  • Maintain accurate instrument maintenance logs, service records, and troubleshooting documentation
  • Coordinate with laboratory management, senior analysts, and vendors for advanced repairs or service interventions
  • Ensure instruments are clean, calibrated, and compliant with method and quality system requirements

Method Changeover & Laboratory Readiness

  • Perform instrument changeovers between analytical methods, including column changes, mobile phase replacement, source configuration, and system equilibration
  • Verify system suitability following method switchovers and prior to release for analytical use
  • Support method‑specific configuration requirements under guidance of senior technical staff
  • Ensure method‑appropriate consumables, solvents, and reagents are prepared and available

Standards, Reagents & Mobile Phase Preparation

  • Prepare calibration standards, internal standards, surrogates, and stock solutions in accordance with SOPs and method requirements
  • Prepare mobile phases, buffers, and reagents using appropriate purity solvents and chemicals
  • Label, track, and document preparation, expiration, and storage conditions for all standards and reagents
  • Maintain reagent preparation logs in compliance with quality and data integrity requirements

Production Support During Low Instrument Demand

  • Assist with sample preparation activities, including aliquoting, extraction support, dilution, and reagent addition, as needed
  • Support analytical data review tasks, including basic chromatographic review, QC checks, and documentation support, commensurate with training and authorization
  • Provide general laboratory operational support based on shifting production priorities

Quality, Safety & Compliance

  • Adhere to all laboratory safety procedures, chemical hygiene requirements, and PPE expectations
  • Ensure compliance with EPA, state, client, and accreditation requirements related to instrument operation and documentation
  • Follow SOPs, change control procedures, and data integrity policies at all times
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection‑ready instrument and support workspace

Collaboration & Communication

  • Communicate instrument status, maintenance needs, and readiness to Laboratory Operations and technical staff
  • Document technical observations, limitations, and actions clearly and accurately
  • Work collaboratively with analysts, QA, and management to support laboratory throughput and quality objectives

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Working knowledge of LC‑MS/MS system components, operation, and routine maintenance
  • Understanding of liquid chromatography principles, mobile phase composition, and solvent compatibility
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical SOPs precisely
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced production environment
  • Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting mindset
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency with laboratory documentation systems and electronic records

Required Education and Experience

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Science, or a related scientific discipline
  • Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience supporting analytical instrumentation in a laboratory environment
  • Hands‑on experience with LC‑MS/MS systems preferred

Preferred Experience and Knowledge

  • Experience in an environmental or regulated analytical laboratory
  • Familiarity with EPA LC‑MS/MS methods (e.g., PFAS, contaminants of emerging concern)
  • Experience preparing calibration standards and reagents for trace‑level analysis
  • Exposure to sample preparation techniques and analytical data review processes
  • Experience supporting high‑throughput production laboratories

Physical Demands

  • Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods during an 8‑hour workday
  • Manual dexterity required for instrument maintenance, tubing connections, and reagent preparation
  • Ability to lift and handle solvent containers, waste bottles, and instrument components
  • Ability to read and interpret instrument readouts, chromatograms, and technical documentation

Working at ALS

Our people are our greatest asset and the foundation of our success. ALS is a diverse, inclusive community of professionals united by a shared purpose to make a meaningful difference. We recognize and reward excellence, invest in continuous learning, and provide career development opportunities across our global organization. At ALS, you will find a supportive environment that values safety, flexibility, and professional fulfillment—allowing you to build a rewarding career while making a positive impact on our people, our planet, and our communities.

About ALS

ALS is a global leader in scientific testing, delivering comprehensive analytical solutions across more than 60 countries. Serving industries including environmental, food and beverage, mining, pharmaceutical, healthcare, personal care, and equipment reliability, ALS combines state‑of‑the‑art technologies with local expertise. Our teams transform data into actionable insights—supporting safer, healthier, and more sustainable outcomes worldwide.

Everyone matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce which reflects and affirms the diversity of our society

ALS is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EOE AA Minority, Female, Veteran, Individuals with Disabilities

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ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

How to apply

Please apply on-line with your resume and outline your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

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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.
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 cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.