Laboratory Technician

Job DescriptionThe Laboratory Technician will be responsible for the following:

- Ensures accurate and timeous completion of prescribed analytical protocols (SOPs) and accompanying administrative duties.
- 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 service delivery to customers.
- Self-Management.
- Minimize financial Risks.
- Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025).
- Communication and reporting to internal stakeholders.
- Management of critical consumables.
- Job Requirements**Job requirements**:
**1. Qualification required**:
Minimum qualification of a National Diploma Analytical Chemistry or related field.

**2. Experience required**:

- At least 2 years of experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited facility.
- Analysis of pesticide residues using the QuEChERS extraction technique.
- Implementation of accredited methods, increasing the scope of accreditation and a particular understanding of the technical processes including HPLC/UPLC/GC-MS-MS/LC-MS-MS.

**3. 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:

- Perform Internal Verification of Equipment.
- Ensures that the accommodation and environmental conditions of the laboratory is controlled and recorded accordingly.
- Checking quality and suitability of chemicals.
- Recording quality controls.

Technical processes - implementation:

- Sample registration on LIMS.
- Extraction of routine samples.
- Weighing, homogenizing, mixing, and filtering.
- Equipment verification (balances, volumetric flasks, pipettes).
- Pesticide analysss - QuEChERS extraction technique
- Preparation of reference standards.
- Preparation of daily solvents and standards
- Participation in proficiency testing schemes.
- Instrumentation setup - loading of samples on chromatographic instruments.

Meetings:

- Participate in laboratory staff meetings.

Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025):

- Implement standard QMS protocols.
- Compliance to statutory requirements.
- Record 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.

4. Knowledge required:

- Knowledge of ISO 17025, implementation, improvements.
- Implementation of a LIMS for traceability.
- Technical processes of Pesticide residue analysis in a myriad of matrices.

5. 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.
- PPECB is an equal opportunity employer and promotes compliance with the provisions of the Employment Equity Act.