Chief Laboratory Technician (P003162) (Re-Advertisement) at North West University

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Quality Management:

• Lead the development, strategic alignment and implementation of comprehensive quality management systems across all laboratory functions.
• Establish and manage laboratory processes aligned with accreditation standards (e.g. ISO standards), setting benchmarks for excellence and ensuring sustained compliance.
• Develop, implement, review and update quality assurance processes, including standard operating procedures and related documents, to maintain and elevate high standards.
• Verify research results and data capturing processes, ensuring data integrity that aligns with approved standard operating procedures.
• Analyse quality control data, generate detailed reports, and identify trends and areas for improvement to drive continuous quality enhancement.
• Define and implement laboratory-wide performance metrics, establishing measurable targets for quality and operational efficiency.
• Conduct internal audits and quality checks to ensure compliance with established standards, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records for compliance, accreditation, and operational transparency.

Laboratory Management:

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to ensure seamless operational and technical execution in the laboratory, supporting autonomy for all laboratory staff, while maintaining alignment with laboratory standards and objectives.
• Strategically plan and manage laboratory resources, including forecasting future stock and equipment needs, securing quotations, placing orders, and aligning procurement with laboratory growth and research priorities.
• Oversee the development and implementation of laboratory infrastructure upgrades, identifying gaps, proposing solutions, and managing installation and integration processes to enhance operational capacity.
• Ensure that all laboratory logbooks are regularly updated, maintaining accurate records that align with quality and compliance standards.
• Oversee and execute routine maintenance and servicing of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with all laboratory staff and provide guidance regarding laboratory scheduling and resource allocation, ensuring the prioritization of high-impact research projects, the efficient use of resources, and the timely utilization of funding within designated time frames.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with application specialists and representatives to maximise technical support and drive innovation in laboratory practices.

Training and Development:

• Provide focused training and supervision to postgraduate students, staff members and interns in fundamental aspects of sample handling, preparation, and storage.
• Train and guide postgraduate students and interns in conducting basic laboratory analyses, ensuring adherence to standard protocols.
• Support the development of practical skills aligned with quality control procedures and regulatory requirements, fostering a foundational understanding of laboratory operations.
• Coordinate and deliver OHS training for laboratory staff, interns, and students, emphasizing safe practices, emergency response procedures, and awareness of safety protocols.
• Explore and recommend opportunities for external training collaborations to enhance the lab's capabilities and align practices with industry standards.
• Continuously evaluate training needs within the lab and adjust programs to address core challenges and ensure consistent alignment with research goals.

Occupational Health and Safety and Risk Management:

• Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines to ensure a safe working environment that complies with relevant regulations and standards.
• Establish and oversee robust protocols for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, including medical and chemical waste, to minimize risks and environmental impact.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits of laboratory facilities, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions to address deficiencies.
• Ensure the availability and proper functioning of safety equipment, such as eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and personal protective equipment (PPE), and manage their regular maintenance and inspection.
• Coordinate with the designated department to ensure effective emergency preparedness initiatives, including the implementation of evacuation plans, spill response protocols, and first-aid readiness, to safeguard personnel and uphold research integrity.
• Monitor and document OHS compliance through meticulous record-keeping, reporting incidents, and tracking corrective actions to ensure continuous improvement in safety standards.
• Promote a culture of safety and risk awareness, encouraging proactive identification and reporting of potential risks to foster accountability and shared responsibility within the laboratory team.

Ad hoc Duties:

• Provide support to laboratory staff in managing increased workloads, including the analysis of samples for various research projects as needed.
• Assist with special research projects assigned by the Research Director.
• Perform other duties as required to ensure the smooth operation of the laboratory during periods of high demand.

Minimum requirements

• An honour’s degree in Biochemistry (NQF level 8) or related fields of studies.
• A Master of Science degree in Biochemistry (NQF level 9) or related fields of studies.
• Registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Biological Scientist or a Medical Biomedical Technologist.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ laboratory experience in pathology, haematology and immunology.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in ISO 17025.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in laboratory auditing.