Laboratory Analyst

Job DescriptionEnsure accurate and timeous completion of prescribed analytical protocols; accompanying administration duties and accompanying interpretation and evaluation of results; Coordinate the activities of the Laboratory Technicians and optimize the use of the equipment in the preparative section of the Laboratory; Implementation of Quality Management System (QMS, ISO 17025);Communication and reporting to internal and external stakeholders; Implementation of LIMS and accompanying scientific interpretation of data.
- Job Requirements**Statutory Duties**:

- Compliance to statutory requirements
- Coordinate the use of analytical equipment to ensure maximum through-put in the pesticides analytical program
- Maximize analytical samples per day

**Method Validation**:

- Typing and filling of reports and graphs
- Implementing the method validation program
- Ensure that any changes are made to the methods if necessary
- Analyze statistical data for method validation
- Ensure equipment maintenance and calibration
- Participate in prficiency testing, analyze data and submit results

**Administration**:

- Customer correspondence
- Generating certificates of analysis
- Filing and other general duties

**Quality Control;**
- Perform internal verifications of Equipment i.e. balances, volumetric flasks, pipettes
- Ensure that the accomodation and environment conditions of the Laboratory are controlled and recorded accordingly
- Checking quality and suitability of chemicals
- Populate quality control charts

**Technical processes - implementation**:

- Sample registration - LIMS
- Preparation of reference standards
- Preparation of daily solvents and standards
- Analysis of food matrices for pesticides residues using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS
- Processing and interpretation of results
- Ensure that all test results comply with the documented quality control criteria
- Create and authorize certificates of analysis
- Participation in proficiency testing programmes

**Traveling requirements**:

- Attending meetings, workshops and conferences when required

**Implementation of QMS**:

- Implement standard QMS protocols
- Consistent and correct of analytical test methods
- Compliance to statutory requirements
- Record all non-conformances (CAR/ Internal audits)
- Assist in the clearance of non-conformances after internal/external audits

**Communication, Advising and Reporting**:

- Comment and report timely on irregularities
- Advise Supervisor on achievements and shortcomings of the Laboratory's QMS (ISO 17025)
- Effective communication and reporting that leads to improved internal relationships and decisions

**Requirements**:

- Minimum qualification of a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

**Experience Required**:

- The Laboratory Analyst (LA) should have at least 3 years relevant practical experience in an ISO 17025 accredited facility
- The LA should have experience in pesticide residue analysis using clean up, LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS analysis
- The LA should also have experience in method validation and statistical evaluation of data

**Skills**:

- The ability to validate Laboratory chromatographic testing methods
- Well-developed interpersonal skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Sound technical record keeping techniques
- Propensity to pay attention to detail
- Analytical thinking skills
- Superior planning, organising and attention to detail
- Implementation of ISO 17025 Laboratory QMS
- Effective communication; advising and reporting
- To ensure and maintain quality service delivery to customers
- Report writing skills
- Financial acumen
- Computer literate
- The ability to work under pressure
- PPECB is an equal opportunity employer and promotes compliance with the provisions of the Employment Equity Act.