Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The job incumbent shall be responsible to perform all analytical jobs and services in the Laboratory.
They shall also perform:
– On-site sampling and analysis of water wastewater, soil, air, food, cosmetic, plant samples amongst others
– Keeping reagents stocks and preparation of media, reagents and standards
– Internal verification of lab equipment and maintenance of calibration/ verification records, maintain quality assurance of testing
– Provide technical assistance as and when required
– Performing all relevant duties pertaining to Laboratory Division in order to ensure the smooth running of the Company.

They shall also build and maintain strong customer relationship to ensure that the highest levels of quality service are given at all times.

ANALYSIS
Collaborate in method development and standardisation as applicable
Scan local and international trends as well as regulations and best practices in environmental monitoring, product quality assurance testing and compare and propose best methods.
Performs the analysis of water (potable water, borehole and surface water, pool water, cooling tower), wastewater and swab samples amongst others.
Perform Analysis of soil, air, food, cosmetics and other samples for target parameters.
Participates in Proficiency Testing Schemes.
Ensures that results are released within the given turn-around time.
Evaluate methods and equipment used to improve quality, efficiency, reliability and timely results.
Performs verification of methods and estimation of Measurement Uncertainty.
Document and maintain method validation and verification records to demonstrate performance characteristics of methods.

QUALITY ASSURANCE
Ensuring Good Laboratory Practice in line with ISO IEC 17025 and always maintaining quality assurance of testing
Ensuring quality procedures are reliable
Ensuring reliability of testing procedures and effectiveness of laboratory activities
Carrying out Data Transfer/ Data Transfer Check
Analysis, reporting and reviewing test results
Ensuring on-going excellence in quality & services and promoting a culture of quality
Participating in internal & external audits
Updating Laboratory Quality Documents under the guidance of Laboratory Supervisor and Quality and Sustainability Manager
Implementing, maintaining and improving Quality Management System in place in the laboratory
Identifying quality problems and deviations from Management System or from procedures for performing laboratory activities, conducting root cause analysis and initiating effective solutions to prevent or minimise such deviations
Reporting to Laboratory Management on the performance of the Management System and any need for improvement
Participating in management review cycles and reporting findings to ensure continual improvement
Ensuring confidentiality of customer information and results in all laboratory operations
Implementing, maintaining and improving Quality Management System in place in the laboratory
Identifying quality problems and deviations from Management System or from procedures for performing laboratory activities, conducting root cause analysis and initiating effective solutions to prevent or minimise such deviations
Reporting to Laboratory Management on the performance of the Management System and any need for improvement
Participating in management review cycles and reporting findings to ensure continual improvement
Ensuring confidentiality of customer information and results in all laboratory operations

SAMPLING
Collaborate in sampling process by:
Developing proper sampling methods to maintain sample integrity, and advising customer or internal team of good sampling method
Ensure safe sampling method by performing risk assessment of sampling process and proposing controls for team.
Identify customer or problem requirement and proposing best cost effective sampling plan to suit customer needs to address their compliance or Quality assurance requirement
Collection of samples from customers for analysis in suitable sampling containers, using the right method
Label bottles accordingly
Perform on-site analysis
Fill Sample Remittance Forms
Ensure safe transportation of samples to Laboratory for chemical and/ or microbiological analysis
Store samples appropriately for next day analysis where applicable
Retain sample as required

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
– Biology at principal level at Cambridge Higher School Certificate Examinations
– A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology/ Biology/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Food Science or equivalent from a recognised institution
– Minimum of 2 years working experience in laboratory analytical works or industrial environment
– Familiar with Quality Standards – ISO/IEC 17025
– Experience in microbiology analysis of water, wastewater, soil, air, cosmetic, and food samples
– Experience in process validation
– Familiar to a variety of identification methods and modern equipment like biohazards, etc
– Computer Literacy
– Good interpersonal skills