Laboratory Analyst

**Job Description**:
The Laboratory Analyst (LA), reporting to the Senior Analyst, is responsible for carrying out the following functions within the Laboratory Services (LS) Business Unit:

- Ensures accurate and timeous completion of prescribed analytical protocols and accompanying administrative duties.
- The LA coordinates the activities of the Laboratory Technicians (LT) and optimizes the use of equipment in the preparative section of the laboratory.
- Ensure service delivery to customers
- Minimize Financial Risks
- Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025)
- Communication and reporting to internal stakeholders.

Job Requirements

**Key responsibilities**:
The LA would be required to work in the Dairy unit. The following key responsibilities would form part of the particular position:

- Checking quality and suitability of chemicals.
- Complete Dairy compositional analysis
- Ensure compliance to statutory requirements in accordance with regulation R1510.
- Ensure equipment maintenance and annual calibration
- Ensures that all test results comply with the documented quality control criteria
- Ensures that the accommodation and environmental conditions of the lab are controlled and recorded accordingly.
- Maintenance and improvement of methods
- Maximize analytical sample volumes per day
- Optimum use of analytical equipment to ensure maximum through-put in the laboratory
- Participate in laboratory staff meetings
- Participate in Management Review and Risk Management meetings (if requested by management)
- Participate in proficiency testing.
- Performs Internal verification of balances, volumetric flasks and pipettes
- Preparation of daily solvents and standards.
- Preparation of reference standards (weighing, mixing filtering).
- Records all non-conformances observed for further investigation.
- Sample preparation (receipt, weighing, mixing, filtering)
- Trouble shooting of instruments

**Qualifications**:
Minimum qualification of a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

**Experience**:
The LA should have at least 3 years relevant practical laboratory experience in an ISO 17025 accredited environment. The role requires a sound understanding of the intricacies of the dairy compositional techniques, including dairy compositional analysis on the NIR.

**Skills**:
The LA requires the following skill set to perform the functions of the assigned role:

- Sound understanding of Quality Management System requirements.
- 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

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