Laboratory Quality Assurance Lead - Environmental Services Assistance Team (esat)

Laboratory Quality Assurance Lead

ICF is seeking a Laboratory Quality Assurance Lead to support an EPA contract, Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT) in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, located in a federal government lab. The team performs soil, water, air, waste, and biota sampling and analysis for chemical contaminants primarily supporting Superfund site assessment, remediation, and emergency response but also for compliance under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. Additional support provided by the team includes field sampling and analysis, biological support, risk assessment, sample receipt and tracking, maintenance and monitoring of laboratory support equipment, chemical and supply inventory, environmental compliance activities, warehouse support, and analytical subcontracting.

The Laboratory Quality Assurance Lead will be responsible for overseeing the comprehensive quality management system to ensure all data generated is scientifically valid and meets regulatory standards. This leadership role involves developing policies, managing audits, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Provide technical oversight and supervision of staff; plan and oversee work in response to customer requests; status reporting, and client interface.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management Plan (QMP) Oversight: Facilitate the development, maintenance, and implementation of the organization's Quality Management Plan, ensuring all quality assurance policies and procedures are current and adhered to by all laboratory staff.

Audits and Compliance: Manage internal and external audit processes, including those by accrediting bodies and regulatory agencies. This includes preparing for inspections, responding to audit findings, and ensuring all corrective actions are implemented.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop, review, and update laboratory SOPs, the quality assurance manual, and related documentation to ensure compliance with standards like the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) and EPA requirements.

Data Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Monitor QA/QC data, perform routine statistical reviews to ensure data validity, and initiate corrective actions when deviations occur. Ensure that data quality objectives are established prior to data collection and analysis.

Training and Mentorship: Develop and implement a quality assurance training program, ensuring all laboratory personnel are trained in critical quality control requirements and safety standards.

Technical Support and Liaison: Provide expert technical assistance to project managers and staff on QA/QC issues. Serve as the primary liaison with accrediting and regulatory bodies regarding inspection activities and reporting requirements.

Continuous Improvement: Analyze data to identify trends, monitor prevention, and lead continuous quality improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field. Minimum 5 years of experience as an analytical chemist, environmental analytical laboratory manager, or section supervisor; OR Associate's degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience in the same capacity. Demonstrated extensive knowledge of an environmental analytical laboratory, quality management systems and standards (TNI and/or ISO), analytical and data review procedures. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication (written and oral) skills are necessary. Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and quality/safety management systems is often needed. Experience with accreditation standards for programs such as EPA, ISO/IEC 17025, and relevant state certification programs is preferred. US citizenship is required per federal contract requirements. Must be able to pass an EPA background check to obtain access to US federal property.