Technician: Radiochemical Testing Lab (Hay level 12/C1) (4 posts) at NECSA

Key Performance Areas:

Financial recovery and sustainability

• Processing of all job cards for non-routine lab work assigned to him/her according to approved schedule.
• Prepare lab reports and conduct transfer checks for the work conducted by him/her.
• Participate in field sampling missions and assist in the collection, pre-treatment and storage of samples.
• Assist with the preparation and processing of complicated samples and reference materials including sampling, drying, milling, sieving, homogenizing, bottling, analysing and evaluating, etc.
• Capture progress on job tasks continually on the laboratory information management system so that Management is enabled to make fast, correct and appropriate decisions to prevent unnecessary delays.

Technology Development and Improvement 

• Develop and or adapt measurement procedures for different compounds and sample preparation techniques to ensure high precision and accuracy of performed analyses. Publish/upload those analytical procedures in the approved information management system or document management system.
• Provide technical advice when required in terms of analytical techniques, quality assurance, calibration and uncertainty evaluation to Technicians and Lab Assistants.
• Design, propose and implement lab test instrumentation for lab functions/tasks.
• Produce reliable results by requiring verification by peers, verifying the results produced by peers, and submitting results for authorization to the Technical Signatory as per required time frames.
• Contribute to small scale improvement projects as assigned by the Section Head and as directed by the expert assigned.
• Operate complex analytical laboratory measurement equipment/instruments with minimal supervision to perform non-routine analysis of which some could be specialised types of analysis.

OHS, QMS and Compliance Aspect

• Effect necessary correction to any event that could be perceived to constitute a non-conformances or non- compliance or deficiencies or malfunctions or deviation from normal condition alternatively report such event to line management following provisions of the relevant operational procedure.
• Participate in method developments and validation activities as directed by Senior Scientist in consultation with Section Head.
• Participate in the development of a quality system according to ISO 17025 for the business units and create and/or maintain related protocols, instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in all aspects of proficiency tests (including inter-laboratory comparison tests) from planning, preparation of samples, shipment, transportation and data evaluation to final report preparation as directed by the Lab Senior Scientist.
• Perform BBS activities (observer and observations) as contracted by section head.
• Review and revision of procedures assign to him or her in accordance with approved schedule.

Instrument Maintenance

• Notify the Section Head of all potential non-conformance, potential non-compliances, equipment malfunction or defects, unsafe conditions or behaviour.
• Perform advanced trouble shooting, routine maintenance and routine standard calibrations of instrumentation.
• Keep records of all maintenance and calibrations performed in all instruments in the lab assigned to him or her.
• Ensure constant availability of assigned apparatus, equipment, and instruments by performing first line trouble shooting and problem solving, quality control, updating records, and reporting to a Section Head of any deviation from normal functioning.

Human Capital Development Aspects 

• Ensure that his/her professional certification or recognition is up-to-date on an annual basis.
• Provide training to technicians, lab assistants and interns.
• Keep up to date with laboratory technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability and productivity of the lab.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or BSc. In Natural Sciences with Chemistry and Physics up to the third year or equivalent.
• At least 2 years’ experience working as a laboratory technician.
• At least one year practical experience on Microsoft Excel and Word.