Quality Assurance Coordinator-Toxicology (DOH/SLD#00010925)

New Mexico Department of Health; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 57,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Department of Health is seeking a Quality Assurance Coordinator for the Scientific Laboratory. The role focuses on maintaining accreditation and ensuring ISO/IEC 17025 compliance through robust QA processes and proper documentation.

You will develop SOPs, support internal audits, and assist with external assessments while aligning with division policies and quality standards. This is an on-site, full-time position in the QSSEP team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field; four years paid experience in chemical experimentation and analysis in a laboratory setting.
• Experience in regulated environments with quality systems is preferred.
• Proficiency with electronic document control systems is required.
• Willingness to learn about Toxicology and related testing processes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ISO/IEC 17025 compliance documentation and accreditation readiness.
• Provide technical guidance to laboratory supervisors, analysts, and staff on QA processes and documentation.
• Develop, review, and update SOPs, quality records, and compliance documentation.
• Assist with internal audits, nonconformance, proficiency testing documentation, and continual improvement activities.
• Coordinate documentation and evidence for external ANAB assessments and surveillance audits.

Skills

Regulated environments experience

Electronic document control

Laboratory operations background

Quality improvement mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field

Job description

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Salary

$27.37 - $41.06 Hourly

$56,931 - $85,396 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C7

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. This position is for the Scientific Laboratory. The Scientific Laboratory is the public health lab for the State of New Mexico. This position is part of the Quality, Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness (QSSEP) team. The quality assurance coordinator is part of the QSSEP section but will work to support the Toxicology Bureau with quality assurance.

Why does the job exist?

This position ensures documented compliance with all accreditation standards required by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for the Toxicology Bureau at the Scientific Laboratory Division. The role also ensures alignment with internal Division policies and quality expectations.

How does it get done?

• Support and maintain the Toxicology Bureau's accreditation through ongoing documentation, monitoring, and verification of ISO/IEC 17025 compliance.
• Provide technical guidance to laboratory supervisors, analysts, and staff regarding required processes, documentation practices, and quality assurance expectations.
• Develop, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality records, and compliance documentation to meet ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
• Assist with internal audits, noncompliance, proficiency testing documentation, method validation records, and continual improvement activities.
• Serve as a resource for accreditation requirements, helping staff understand and meet technical and administrative compliance obligations.
• Coordinate documentation and evidence for external ANAB assessments and maintain readiness for surveillance and renewal audits.
• Support the Division¿s quality management system by ensuring documentation is stored electronically and securely to protect PHI according to HIPPA regulations.

Who are the customers?

The customers are the Scientific Laboratory Division's Toxicology Bureau, accrediting agencies, partner law enforcement agencies, and citizens of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has experience working in regulated environments, is proficient with electronic document control systems, has a background in laboratory operations, and is self-motivated to drive continuous quality improvement. It is preferred that this person be willing to learn about Toxicological testing or has experience in Toxicology.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field, and four (4) years paid experience in chemical experimentation and analysis in a laboratory setting. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and complete Defensive Driving training within 60 days of hire.

Working Conditions

This position is full-time on-site. The majority of work is on a computer, with some work in the lab for accessioning proficiency samples, auditing the lab spaces, and verifying pipettes.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.