Senior Analyst - ICPMS

Job Title: Senior Analyst ICP-MS/MS

Department: Water Testing & Environmental Analysis Location: Mumbai, India

Reporting To: Technical Manager / Director of Testing

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Analyst ICP-MS/MS to strengthen our Water Testing and Environmental Analysis division. The incumbent will lead elemental and heavy metal analysis across a wide range of water and environmental matrices, ensuring compliance with national and international regulatory standards. This is a technically demanding role suited to a professional with deep expertise in trace metal analysis, environmental sampling protocols, and accredited laboratory operations under ISO 17025:2017 / NABL frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Instrumentation & Analysis

• Operate and maintain ICP-MS/MS instruments for the quantification of trace and ultra-trace level metals and metalloids in drinking water, wastewater, surface water, groundwater, soil leachates, effluents, and sediment digests
• Analyse regulated parameters including but not limited to: As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Se, Sb, Ba, Be, Tl, U, and speciated forms (e.g., Cr(VI), As(III)/As(V)) as applicable
• Apply appropriate MS/MS reaction cell modes (O, NH, He) to manage polyatomic interferences common in complex environmental matrices
• Execute sample digestion (microwave-assisted acid digestion per EPA 3051A/3052, aqua regia) and ensure contamination-free preparation in a clean-room or trace-metal-clean environment
• Perform method calibration, internal standard correction (Sc, Ge, In, Bi, Rh), and matrix-matched calibration for high-TDS environmental samples

Method Development & Validation

• Develop and validate analytical methods for water and environmental samples in accordance with IS 3025, APHA (Standard Methods), EPA 200.8, ISO 17294-2, and FSSAI / MoEFCC frameworks
• Conduct full method validation including LOD, LOQ, linearity, accuracy (spike recovery), precision, matrix effects, and ruggedness
• Troubleshoot matrix-specific interference issues (e.g., chloride-rich coastal effluents, high-iron groundwater, industrial discharge matrices)

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain all records in line with ISO 17025:2017 and NABL accreditation requirements
• Prepare and review test reports, certificates of analysis (CoA), and raw data packages for regulatory submissions
• Support preparation and response to NABL and MoEFCC/CPCB-related audits, including CAPA documentation
• Participate in proficiency testing (PT) schemes and inter-laboratory comparison programs relevant to water and environmental testing (e.g., NABL-recognised PT providers)
• Draft, review, and revise SOPs and work instructions in alignment with quality management system requirements

Team & Coordination

• Guide and train junior analysts on ICP-MS/MS operation, safe handling of corrosive acids, and environmental sample handling protocols
• Coordinate with the sampling team on field sample collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody compliance
• Liaise with the Quality Team and client-facing teams on TAT, reporting queries, and regulatory interpretation
• Support business development with technical capability inputs for tenders, government agency empanelments, and client audits

Qualifications & Experience

• M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or Applied Chemistry (Ph.D. or M.Tech preferred)
• 46 years of hands-on ICP-MS or ICP-MS/MS experience in an environmental, water testing, or government-accredited laboratory
• Demonstrated experience with environmental regulatory frameworks: BIS 10500, IS 3025, CPCB effluent standards, EPA 200.8, APHA Standard Methods
• Working knowledge of sample preservation protocols, field blank practices, and contamination control in environmental sampling
• Familiarity with NABL-accredited laboratory documentation and audit readiness

Preferred Skills

• Experience with speciation analysis (Cr, As, Se) using IC-ICP-MS or reaction cell-based discrimination
• Exposure to ICP-OES as a complementary technique for major ions and higher-concentration matrices
• Knowledge of soil/sediment digestion and total recoverable metals analysis per EPA/ISO protocols
• Proficiency in instrument software (MassHunter, Syngistix, or equivalent) and LIMS-based data entry and reporting
• Understanding of MoEFCC, CPCB, and state pollution control board (SPCB) regulatory reporting requirements

Key Competencies

• Rigorous approach to data integrity, contamination control, and trace-level cleanliness
• Strong regulatory awareness across BIS, EPA, ISO, and CPCB frameworks
• Ability to manage multiple sample batches and meet regulatory TAT commitments
• Clear technical report writing for government, industrial, and institutional clients
• Collaborative team player with mentoring capability for junior staff

What We Offer

• Work within a NABL/ISO 17025:2017 accredited multi-division laboratory with a dedicated Water Testing and Environmental division
• Exposure to a diverse client base spanning municipal utilities, industrial effluent generators, infrastructure projects, and government regulatory bodies
• Involvement in empanelment projects with CPCB, MoEFCC, and state pollution control boards
• Competitive compensation with growth into technical leadership roles