Open To Work
ASHLEY POLITE
QA MANAGER
Chandler,AZ
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workDesired start date: Flexible
Desired Job Title
Analytical ChemistScientistQuality Assurance SpecialistQuality Control ChemistWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridLocation: Phoenix, AZChandler, AZ
Open to relocation: Yes
Salary Range
96000/yr - 186000/yrSummary
Driven Quality Assurance Manager and Analytical Chemist with over a decade of hands-on experience leading laboratory compliance, quality control, and operational efficiency within highly regulated environments. Expert in ISO/IEC 17025 compliance, A2LA/ADHS audit leadership, microbial contaminant testing, SOP engineering, maintaining and operating analytical equipment, and full-lifecycle method validation. Proven track record of auditing complex systems, mitigating risk, and embedding continuous improvement frameworks across cross-functional teams.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Manager
SKY FOOD TESTING
Phoenix, AZ
05.2026 - Current
- Oversee all quality assurance operations and compliance frameworks for food safety and environmental sample testing across the facility.
- Lead high-throughput microbial contaminant analysis utilizing conventional PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis to ensure stringent regulatory compliance and product safety.
- Direct document control, employee competency training, and routine quality control checks for environmental monitoring and pathogen detection programs.
- Enforce ISO/IEC 17025 compliance across microbiological testing workflows, driving continuous improvement in sample turnaround times and analytical precision.
Quality Assurance Manager
SKY ANALYTICAL LABS
Phoenix, AZ
09.2022 - Current
- Direct quality management operations, regulatory filings, and document control systems across the facility, ensuring strict compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines.
- Spearheaded A2LA and ADHS audit preparation and defense, resulting in successful ISO/IEC 17025 certification across all testing methods and securing state licensure for compliance testing.
- Overhauled and standardized company Quality Manuals, EHS protocols, and technical training documentation to ensure 100% staff competency and operational alignment.
- Execute routine internal audits and executive management reviews to proactively identify system vulnerabilities, control risks, and implement corrective actions (CAPA).
- Oversee comprehensive document control processes, managing employee training logs, SOP releases, equipment calibrations, and maintenance records.
- Supervise the hazardous waste disposal program, host safety committee meetings, and champion a zero-incident safety culture.
Analytical Chemist III
SKY ANALYTICAL LABS
Phoenix, AZ
04.2022 - Current
- Executed complex sample preparation, extraction, and analytical testing utilizing LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, HPLC-PDA, and RT-PCR instrumentation.
- Performed routine maintenance on analytical equipment.
- Led method validations for microbiological assays (E. coli, Aspergillus, Salmonella) using Biomerieux RT-PCR platforms, alongside method verifications.
- Conducted advanced molecular panel testing while ensuring total data integrity within LIMS for client reporting.
- Managed laboratory inventory, reagent preparation, calibration tracking, and vendor relationships.
Analytical Chemist
PURE LABS
Phoenix, AZ
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Performed trace-level LC-MS/MS analysis for pesticides and mycotoxins in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standard guidelines and state regulations.
- Validated and interpreted complex datasets, generating clear technical reports within LIMS under tight client turnaround deadlines.
- Performed routine maintenance on analytical equipment including HPLC-PDA and LC/MS/MS.
Assistant Scientist II
EUROFINS-EAG
Columbia, MO
02.2014 - 09.2021
- Managed day-to-day production schedules for analytical sample testing across progressive promotional tiers, consistently meeting tight client delivery deadlines.
- Developed, modernized, and optimized extraction and analytical methods using advanced wet chemistry (SPE, distillation, reflux) and instrumentation (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, ICP-MS).
- Maintained GLP-compliant study documentation, routine PMs on LC systems (Agilent, Waters and Shimadzu), and calibration routines.
- Trained, mentored, and onboarded junior laboratory personnel on equipment protocols, data review standards, and strict SOP adherence.
- Performed complex troubleshooting and assisted in leading initiatives to solve challenging scientific problems with assays or instrumentation.
- Trained new employees on areas of technical expertise and compliance issues relevant to lab setting.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Chemistry
Associate of Arts (A.A.) - undefined
Skills
- ISO/IEC 17025 Standards
- GLP Compliance
- Internal Auditing
- Management Reviews
- Risk Assessment
- Document Control
- SOP Engineering
- Root Cause Analysis
- EHS Program Management
- Audit Readiness & Leadership
- Staff Training & Mentorship
- Microbial Contaminant Analysis
- Gel Electrophoresis
- PCR / RT-PCR
- LC-MS/MS
- GC-MS/MS
- ICP-MS
- HPLC-PDA
- Method Validation
- LIMS Data Integrity
Timeline
Quality Assurance Manager - SKY FOOD TESTING
05.2026 - Current
Quality Assurance Manager - SKY ANALYTICAL LABS
09.2022 - Current
Analytical Chemist III - SKY ANALYTICAL LABS
04.2022 - Current
Analytical Chemist - PURE LABS
10.2021 - 03.2022
Assistant Scientist II - EUROFINS-EAG
02.2014 - 09.2021
University of Missouri - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Chemistry
Moberly Area Community College - Associate of Arts (A.A.),