Laboratory Technician-047-009

PPECB; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A quality certification service provider in South Africa seeks a Lab Technician to conduct analyses of mycotoxins and pesticide residues in food products. Responsibilities include method validation, quality control, and adhering to laboratory standards. Ideal candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and a solid understanding of chromatographic instrumentation and laboratory practices. Attention to detail and effective communication are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Experience with preparation of chemicals, solutions, and standards.
• Knowledge of chromatographic instrumentation and good laboratory practices.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely service delivery to customers.
• Participate in proficiency testing.
• Perform internal verification of equipment.
• Communicate irregularities and report effectively.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Technical record keeping

Ability to work under pressure

Attention to detail

Computer literacy (MS Outlook, Word & Excel)

Tools

Chromatographic instrumentation

LIMS

Job description

High Level Objectives

• Analysis of mycotoxins in various food matrices.
• Analysis of pesticide residues in fresh produce using the QuEChERS extraction technique.
• Optimize the use of the equipment in the preparative section of the laboratory.
• Ensure timely service delivery to customers.
• Self-Management.
• Minimize financial Risks.
• Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025).
• Management of critical consumables.
  
  

Experience Required

Preparation of chemicals, solutions, and standards.

Sample extraction processes.

Basic knowledge of chromatographic instrumentation.

Adherence to good laboratory practice.

Key Responsibilities

Method Validation

• Ensure that any changes are made to the methods if necessary.
• Ensure equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Participate in proficiency testing.
  
  

Quality Control

• Performs Internal verification of Equipment.
• Ensures that the accommodation and environmental conditions of the lab are controlled and recorded accordingly.
• Checking quality and suitability of chemicals.
• Recording quality controls.
  
  

Technical processes - implementation

• Sample registration on LIMS.
• Extraction of raw materials.
• Weighing, homogenizing, mixing, and filtering.
• Equipment verification (balances, volumetric flasks, pipettes).
• Mycotoxin Immuno-Affinity-Cleanup.
• Free fatty acids extraction method.
• Peroxide value extraction method.
• Moisture content.
• Pesticide analyses
• Preparation of reference standards (weighing, mixing filtering).
• Preparation of daily solvents and standards.
• Participation in proficiency testing schemes.
• Instrumentation set-up and sample run.
  
  

Meetings

• Participate in laboratory staff meetings.
  
  

Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025)

• Implement standard QMS protocols.
• Consistent and correct application of analytical methods.
• Compliance to statutory requirements.
• Records all non-conformances observed for further investigation.
  
  

Communication, Advising and Reporting

• Comment and report timely on irregularities.
• Effective communication and reporting that leads to improved internal relationships and decisions.
• Ensures that all test results comply with the documented quality control criteria.
  
  

Knowledge Required

• Implementation of the LIMS for traceability (added advantage)
• Technical processes of Mycotoxin/Pesticides/Dairy analysis in a myriad of matrices.
• General knowledge of chromatographic instruments.
  
  

Skills Required

• 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 – MS Outlook, Word & Excel.
  
  

About Us

The Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) is an independent service provider of quality certification and cold chain management services for South African producers and exporters of perishable food products.

Established in 1926, the PPECB has delivered valuable services to the perishable products industry for over 90 years by enhancing the credibility of the South African export certificate and supporting the export competitiveness of South Africa's perishable product industries.