Section Incharge

SGS India; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS India is seeking a Section In-Charge for the Chennai (Ambattur) laboratory to oversee technical operations in food microbiology and ensure ISO 17025 compliance. You will drive method validation, QC, and project execution while leading a microbiology team.

The role demands a minimum 6 years of NABL-lab experience in food microbiology, with hands-on testing and strong leadership skills in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in Food Microbiology in NABL laboratory.
• Experience in testing food, water and environmental samples.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 standards and QC protocols.

Responsibilities

• Technical Operations Management: plan, organize and control lab operations to meet requirements within budget.
• Perform microbiological analyses, validate methods and ensure QC per ISO 17025.
• Lead quality management and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Oversee equipment, facilities management and maintenance scheduling.
• Drive training, capability development and client project support.

Skills

Food microbiology

NABL lab experience

RT-PCR testing

Laboratory management

Tools

RT-PCR

Job description

Opportunity with SGS India for the position of Section In-Charge | Location - Chennai (Ambattur)

Company Profile: Established in 1878, SGS transformed grain trading in Europe by offering innovative agricultural inspection services.

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification MNC. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 96,000 employees, we operate a network of more than 2,700 offices and laboratories around the world. We cater quality services to 9 Businesses in India like Consumer & Retail Services, Oil & Gas, Industrial services, AFL, Minerals etc.

Kindly visit our Global Website: www.sgs.com

India Website: www.sgsgroup.in

Experience Profile:

Minimum experience 6 years in Food Microbiology in NABL laboratory

Desirable profile will be of candidates with experience in any of the following:

• Industry/ Sector: Commercial testing lab/Research with relevant certification and training on food and water microbiology testing
• Molecular Biology related RT-PCR testing
• Scope of job /Activities handled: Testing of samples food/water and environment samples and daily quality related task in Microbiology lab

Products - Food Products

Laboratory - NABL Accrediated (ISO 17025:2017)

Brief Job Description:

a. Technical Operations Management:

• Plan, organize, and control technical operations of the laboratory to meet customer requirements, in line with budgeted costs. Provide desired technical support to clients , microbiology team members and other colleagues in terms of capability and feasibility promptly when required.

b. Microbiological Analysis, method validation/verification and Quality control as per ISO 17025 requirements:

• Conducting microbiological analyses when needed, validating and verifying methods to ensure accuracy and precision, ensuring all measurement uncertainity and documents as per the laboratory scope is updated and overseeing quality control processes in accordance with ISO 17025 standards.

c. Quality Management:

• Liaise with the QM in implementation of laboratory Quality management system, SOPs, instrument calibration scheme, and ensure all testing/analysis activity takes place accordingly. Design & implementation of the QC program. Liaise with QM in relation to quality matters affecting testing or calibration and all matters related to ISO 17025 guidelines/ regulatory guidelines as applicable.
• Leading the team in Proficiency testing and ILC testing to successful outcomes.

d. Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with mandatory local and other laws pertaining to health and safety environment protection, within the laboratory and outside surroundings. Stop work when QC criteria has exceeded, or any safety risks are found.

e. Laboratory Equipment & Facilities Management :

• Selection, approval, and commissioning of test methods. Management and calibration of laboratory equipment & facilities, . Ensure all the major equipment AMC/CMC are in place. Indent the chemicals and consumables required by the section.

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f. Customer Service & Communication :

• Participate in ongoing training programs to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in food microbiology testing methods and ISO 17025 standards.

g. Training & and new capability Development :

• Identify necessary internal and external training needs of technical staffs according to their requirements. Conduct in-house training programs with laboratory technical/analytical staffs. Evaluation and sign off staff competency in capability matrix. Participate in ongoing training programs to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in food microbiology testing methods and ISO 17025 standards.
• Design client projects and establish new capabilities like Rapid Microbiology testing etc.
• Participate in ongoing training programs to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in food microbiology testing methods and ISO 17025 standards.

1. Key Results Areas (KRAs) & Key Deliverables:

a) On time sample analysis as per method

b) Complete method validations/verifications and documentation in accordance to regulatory requirements.

c) Accurate reporting of results.

d) Succesful outcome during audits and PT/ILC

e) 5S, Lean amoeba management in the lab and adhere to good lab practices in Microbiology lab

f) Build team competency and capacity

2. Technical / Behavioral / Managerial / Critical Skills Desired:

a) Stay abreast of emerging trends,technologies and regulatory developments in food microbiology methods

b) Ability to plan, organise and timely execute assigned works

c) Interpersonal and communication skills with ability to collaborate with cross functional teams

d) Willingness to learn and enhance own knowledge and skills

e) Ability to perform effectively under pressure while leading the team collaboratively and harmoniously.