PFAS Technical Specialist

Shift:

Are you ready to work making the world a safer, healthier place? Join our mission to continuously move science forward; to innovate and advance all aspects of our business to improve the health and safety of our communities and lives.

About the job

Location: West Columbia, SC

Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Company description:

Pace® Analytical Services is a leading provider of environmental and life sciences testing services. For more than 40 years, Pace® has provided high-quality, consistent, and reliable analytical data to support clients across industries such as environmental, pharmaceutical, medical device, energy, and manufacturing.

With laboratories and service centers across the United States, Pace® offers a wide range of services including environmental testing, product testing, life sciences solutions, and regulatory compliance support. Our mission is to advance science and protect the environment and communities we serve by delivering science better.

Pace® Analytical Services is proud to be a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Summary

We are seeking an experienced PFAS Technical Specialist to join our Environmental Testing Lab. This role serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for PFAS analysis, method development, and quality assurance. The successful candidate will ensure the lab can accurately detect and quantify PFAS in water, soil, tissue, and other matrices in compliance with EPA/state methods and client requirements.

As the technical leader for the PFAS department, this individual will implement new methods, introduce best practices, and provide training to ensure a highly functioning team from both a technical and productivity standpoint.

Essential Functions

Method Expertise & Development

• Lead implementation of PFAS-specific analytical methods (e.g., EPA 537.1, 533, 8327, 1633, ASTM, ISO).
• Adapt and validate methods for complex matrices (wastewater, biosolids, air).
• Stay current with evolving regulatory standards and anticipate future requirements.

Laboratory Operations

• Oversee operation of LC-MS/MS instruments (core to PFAS detection).
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, sample prep, and extraction issues (e.g., solid-phase extraction).
• Ensure proper PFAS-free practices (avoiding Teflon, PTFE, fluoropolymer contamination).

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Maintain accreditation (NELAP, DoD ELAP, state certifications).
• Review QC samples (blanks, LCS, spikes, duplicates) to ensure compliance with method criteria.
• Write, review, and update SOPs and QA/QC protocols.

Training & Mentorship

• Train analysts and technicians on PFAS-specific methods, handling, and analysis.
• Serve as the department’s technical resource for PFAS-related questions.
• Support staff development to ensure consistent performance and client satisfaction.

Client & Project Support

• Advise project managers on method selection, detection limits, and data interpretation.
• Support data validation and prepare defensible client/regulatory reports.
• Provide technical support during audits and inspections.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field required.
• 5+ years of PFAS analytical experience required.

Technical Skills:

• LC-MS/MS operation & maintenance (AB Sciex or Agilent platforms).
• Sample prep/extraction (SPE, QuEChERS).
• LIMS, instrument software, and regulatory reporting tools.

Preferred Experience:

• Method development in PFAS testing.
• Training staff on PFAS-specific methods.
• Supporting audits or regulatory inspections.

Soft Skills:

• Strong technical writing (SOPs, reports, client communications).
• Problem-solving and innovation in method development.
• Ability to clearly explain technical results to non-technical audiences.

Why Pace?

At Pace® Analytical Services, your curiosity, expertise, and dedication help us advance science and make communities healthier and safer. We offer a collaborative workplace, opportunities for growth, and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Paid time off (holiday, sick, vacation)
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs
• Wellness, parental leave, and additional voluntary benefits

Pace® Analytical Services provides a compensation range for informational purposes; the actual base salary may vary depending on factors such as relevant experience, technical expertise, internal equity, business sector, and geographic location.

To learn more about Pace®, please visit our website at www.pacelabs.com.

We support your growth! Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. At Pace®, we’re committed to investing in your professional development and helping you build a rewarding career in science and laboratory services.

We embrace diversity! Pace® Analytical Services believes that innovation and strength come from diverse perspectives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we prohibit discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.

Sustainability matters to us! At Pace®, we take our responsibility to the environment seriously. From implementing greener practices in our laboratories to driving efficiency and waste reduction, our teams are empowered to make a lasting positive impact in the communities we serve.

Find out more about careers at Pace®: Pace Careers.

Benefits

When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work.

Benefits
When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.