Senior Analyst-047-001 at PPECB

Job Description
High level objectives

• Implementation of analytical techniques for the analysis of pesticide residues in agricultural products and the accompanying interpretation and evaluation of results.
• SANAS approved Technical Signatory to authorize the release of GC-MS/MS test results.
• Coordinating the activities of the laboratory analysts, technicians and interns and optimizing the use of the equipment in the preparative section of the laboratory.
• Ensure service delivery to the customers- reporting of results within the documented turnaround time.
• Method validation - addition of new matrices and/or parameters.
• Self-management.
• Minimize financial risks.
• Implementation of QMS (ISO17025).
• Communication and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Self-management.
• Minimise financial risk.
• Management of critical consumables.

Job Requirements

Qualification required

•  Minimum qualification of a B. Tech / BSc Degree in Chemistry or equivalent

Experience Required

• At least 5 years of relevant experience working as a Laboratory Analyst (or similar position) in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Implementation of accredited methods, increasing the scope of accreditation and a particular understanding of the technical processes of GC-MS/MS instruments
• Interpretation and evaluation of test results.
• Trouble shooting of GC-MS/MS and other relevant equipment
• Method validation and creation of validation reports according to EURACHEM regulations.
• Internal auditing of the Quality Management System (QMS) according to ISO 17025
• Performance management and review of personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Setting up and supervision of the Pesticide Laboratory (GC-MS/MS)
• Compliance to statutory requirements
• Coordinates the work of laboratory analysts, technicians and interns
• Evaluation and Interpretation of results
• Ensure results are sent to customer in a timely manner within the documented turn-around time
• Ensure compliance to statutory methodology and Laboratory Quality management system, ISO 17025 procedures and SOP’s
• Oversee the method validation and creation of validation reports according to EURACHEM regulations.
• Ensure that any changes are made to the methods if necessary
• Ensure equipment maintenance and calibration
• Participate in proficiency testing, analyze data and submits results
• Performs Internal Verification of Equipment
• Ensures that the accommodation and environmental conditions of the lab is controlled and records accordingly.
• Populate and monitor QC charts
• Checking quality and suitability of chemicals
• Participate in meetings with the Department of Agriculture
• Participate in meeting with internal and external stakeholders
• Participate in meetings with clients
• Advise the Laboratory management on achievements and shortcomings of Lab QMS (ISO 17025)
• Effective communication and reporting that leads to improved internal relationships and decisions
• Provide training to Laboratory Analyst and Technicians
• Perform competency evaluations of Laboratory Analysts and Technicians
• Mentoring and coaching of Laboratory Analysts and Technicians
• Manage the annual performance motivation agreements of Laboratory Analysts and Technicians
• Attend to and resolve customer complaints
• Conformance to financial and control policies

Knowledge Required

• In depth knowledge of ISO 17025 and SANAS requirements
• Implementation of the LIMS for traceability.
• Implementation of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques, and the accompanying interpretation and evaluation of results
• Application of EURACHEM guidelines for method validation and uncertainty of measurement
• Application of SANTE guidance documents for the method validation of pesticide residue analysis
• Knowledge and understanding of local and international standards and regulations

Skills Required

• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Superior planning, organizing and attention to detail
• Sound technical record keeping techniques.
• Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Financial acumen
• Computer literate- MS Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint