Analytical Laboratory Leads

As an Analytical Laboratory Lead at ICF, your principal responsibilities include supervising a team of 5 to 10 chemists and technicians, overseeing sample analysis and quality assurance processes, and ensuring compliance with all technical and safety regulations. You will also manage project assignments, maintain client contacts, and provide technical presentations, all while ensuring the laboratory operates at peak efficiency.

To qualify for the Analytical Laboratory Lead position at ICF, candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field and have a minimum of 8 years of experience in environmental sample analysis and management. Experience in a NELAC-certified environmental laboratory and proficiency with instruments such as GC and LC-MS is vital to succeed in this role.

While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, ICF prefers candidates with an advanced degree in chemistry and experience specific to high-resolution mass spectrometry for dioxins and furans. Familiarity with radiochemistry analysis and data validation is also highly valued for the Analytical Laboratory Lead role, particularly in relation to environmental matrices.

ICF provides a distinctive environment for Analytical Laboratory Leads, blending expert guidance with state-of-the-art technology to effectively address complex environmental challenges. Additionally, ICF champions a culture of inclusivity that focuses on employee empowerment, professional growth, and collaboration, making it an excellent place for those looking to advance their careers.

The Analytical Laboratory Lead role at ICF is pivotal in promoting environmental safety. By supervising analytical efforts and ensuring compliance with EPA regulations, you will help assess and remediate contaminated sites, thus protecting public health and the environment. Your oversight in conducting precise analyses and maintaining high-quality standards supports the integrity of environmental assessments.

In answering this question, candidates should highlight specific instances where they've conducted analyses of environmental samples, emphasizing the types of analyses performed and any relevant regulations followed, such as CLP or EPA methods. Discussing your role in ensuring data accuracy and safety compliance will showcase your competency for the Analytical Laboratory Lead position.

Responding to this question requires detailing a systematic approach to quality assurance, including adherence to documented procedures, regular equipment maintenance, and rigorous oversight of analytical results. Providing examples of how you've previously implemented quality checks can demonstrate your capability for maintaining compliance as an Analytical Laboratory Lead.

Candidates should share specific strategies that foster team productivity and cohesion, such as regular communication, setting clear goals, and offering mentorship. Highlighting your experience in managing diverse teams and resolving conflicts will illustrate your leadership skills suitable for the Analytical Laboratory Lead role.

This question offers the chance to showcase proficiency with various laboratory technologies relevant to the role, such as GC, LC-MS, ICP, and more. Be sure to mention any specific software used for data acquisition and reporting, emphasizing your technical knowledge, which is crucial for the Analytical Laboratory Lead position.

When discussing client relationships, illustrate how you engage with clients through technical presentations and regular updates. Showcase your ability to translate complex scientific information into understandable terms, ensuring client needs and expectations are met effectively as an Analytical Laboratory Lead.

In your response, detail a specific challenge encountered in a laboratory setting, such as unexpected results or equipment malfunction. Discuss the steps taken to troubleshoot the issue and the outcomes achieved, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure in the Analytical Laboratory Lead role.

Elaborate on your expertise in laboratory safety protocols, including any training received and how you've implemented safety measures within your teams. Sharing a specific incident where safety measures prevented an accident can solidify your commitment to maintaining high safety standards as an Analytical Laboratory Lead.

Discuss your approach to task prioritization, emphasizing your organizational skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities. Providing an example of a time when you effectively managed multiple competing deadlines will underscore your preparedness for the fast-paced environment of an Analytical Laboratory Lead at ICF.

In answering this, detail a specific instance of data validation, the protocols followed, and the importance of integrity in the results provided. Stress your analytical skills and attention to detail, reinforcing how this experience aligns with the responsibilities of an Analytical Laboratory Lead.

When discussing your motivation, draw attention to your passion for environmental safety and your desire to make a meaningful impact. Sharing personal anecdotes about your journey into environmental chemistry can connect you with the interviewers, reflecting your enthusiasm for the Analytical Laboratory Lead position at ICF.