Senior Microbiologist - AFL at SGS

Job description

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Senior Microbiologist is responsible for the day to day functions of the Microbiology section of the SGS laboratory and for personnel management and implementation and maintenance of the quality system and control over sample analysis and reporting according to established analytical methods and procedures.

RESPONISIBILITIES

• Personnel management – Microbiologists and Lab Assistants
• Supervise staff according to company procedures and policies.
• Training in order to develop and optimize staff skills.
• Continuous measurement of skills and identify shortcomings of staff.
• Problem solving, advice and guidance on technical matters.
• Performing tests
• Accurate registration, storage, retention and disposal of samples according to prescribed procedures.
• Preparation/supervising preparation of samples and media.
• Performing routine analysis on samples according to standard methods and procedures
• Ensure the execution and finalization of method validation plans and associated work as they arise.
• Operate instruments according to specified procedures
• Maintain logbooks and worksheets indicating maintenance, working conditions and quality control measures
• Ensure good laboratory practices are followed
• Always wear appropriate protective clothing
• Adhere to all relevant safety procedures and protocols
• Awareness of the dangers of chemicals used through the study of MSDS.
• Adhere to competency training program.
• Keep workplace and equipment neat and tidy.
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.
• Planning of tests and evaluation of results
• Plan activities according to the sample volume and quantities received.
• Ensure customer service requirements for testing/analysis are met.
• Monitor and control stock levels of required chemicals and consumables.
• Adhere to sample turn-around timeframes.
• Evaluate results against quality control specifications
• Reporting opinions and interpretations
• Documenting of all relevant sample information
• Calculation and record keeping of all analytical results.
• Report all results on appropriate and designated worksheets.
• Prepare Reports for test results obtained and present to the Lab/QC Manager for authorization.
• Method modification and development and validation of new methods
• Perform analysis and report results required for method and instrument validation
• Report shortcomings and deviations and perform communicated actions to implement and improve new and existing methods and procedures.
• Quality system
• Perform Health and Safety inspections in designated areas.
• Report deviations and communicate instructions to improve and maintain the quality system.
• Record keeping of all control and reference sample results.
• Managerial duties
• Support operations and contribute to positive staff morale

SPECIFIC AUTHORITIES

• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or entry to hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection, and take action to address the hazard.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and take action to address the issue.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.

Qualifications

Education

The position requires a degree / diploma from a recognized tertiary education facility in the field of microbiology. In addition, a minimum of 5 years experience in a similar laboratory would be an advantage.

Experience

• Experience in the application of ISO 17025.
• Understanding the operations, maintenance and operational requirements of instrumentation used in the laboratory.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.

Competencies

• Knowledge of laboratory functions and applications
• Maintenance of accreditation status
• Maintenance of service quality to customers
• Maintenance of turnaround time and reporting time set by management