Laboratory Technician-047-012 at PPECB

Job Description

• High level Objective
• Analysis of pesticide residues in fresh produce using the QuEChERS extraction technique.
• Optimize the use of the equipment in the preparative section of the laboratory.
• Ensure timely service delivery to customers.
• Self-Management.
• Minimize financial Risks.
• Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025).
• Management of critical consumables.

Experience required:

• Preparation of chemicals, solutions, and standards.
• Sample extraction processes.
• Basic knowledge of chromatographic instrumentation.
• Adherence to good laboratory practice.

Qualifications

• National Diploma - Analytical Chemistry

Key responsibilities:

Method Validation 

• Ensure that any changes are made to the methods if necessary.
• Ensure equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Participate in proficiency testing.

Quality Control

• Performs Internal verification of Equipment.
• Ensures that the accommodation and environmental conditions of the lab are controlled and recorded accordingly.
• Checking quality and suitability of chemicals.
• Recording quality controls.

Technical processes - implementation

• Sample registration on LIMS.                                                 
• Extraction of raw materials.
• Weighing, homogenizing, mixing, and filtering.
• Equipment verification (balances, volumetric flasks, pipettes).
• Mycotoxin Immuno-Affinity-Cleanup.
• Free fatty acids extraction method.
• Peroxide value extraction method.
• Moisture content.
• Pesticide analyses
• Preparation of reference standards (weighing, mixing filtering).
• Preparation of daily solvents and standards.
• Participation in proficiency testing schemes.
• Instrumentation set-up and sample run.

Meetings

• Participate in laboratory staff meetings.

Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025)

• Implement standard QMS protocols.
• Consistent and correct application of analytical methods.
• Compliance to statutory requirements.
• Records all non-conformances observed for further investigation.

Communication, Advising and Reporting

• Comment and report timely on irregularities.
• Effective communication and reporting that leads to improved internal relationships and decisions.
• Ensures that all test results comply with the documented quality control criteria.

Knowledge required:

• Implementation of the LIMS for traceability (added advantage)
• Technical processes of Mycotoxin/Pesticides/Dairy analysis in a myriad of matrices.
• General knowledge of chromatographic instruments.

Skills required:

• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Sound technical record keeping techniques.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Propensity to pay attention to detail.
• Computer literate – MS Outlook, Word & Excel.