Sample Preparation Technician

Company Description

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.

Job Description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform routine analytical techniques related to the established Sample Prep procedures. Supervise and assist in the planning and co-ordination of Sample Prep processes. Evaluate and report analytical results.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Overseeing the Sample Preparation team and coordinating the processing of customer samples by following established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
2. Monitoring workflow and coordinate sample processing on the basis of priority status and age.
3. Ensuring that sample preparation SOPs and other work instruction are followed.
4. Ensuring efficient workflow and proper handover during shift change.
5. Working closely with other sections in coordinating workflow and sample distribution.
6. Ensuring that there is adequate work and even work distribution between different teams.
7. Assisting in the effective and optimal utilization of staff, equipment and facilities within the department.
8. Monitoring QC performance of equipment and keeping records up to date.
9. Ensuring the maintenance of the laboratory instruments and apparatus is performed, maintain equipment records, logbooks, files and registers accordingly.
10. Defining and revising supply/inventory stock level to ensure uninterrupted operations.
11. Liaising with the Team leaders/operators to ensure customer requirements are achieved with regard to the turnaround time commitments and Quality of results.
12. Reporting daily production figures and giving reasonable explanations for targets not achieved.
13. Assisting in the evaluating and reporting of analytical results where required.
14. Instituting the necessary company corrective measures against subordinates for actions that are contrary to company rules & procedures.
15. Assisting in the investigation of any non-conforming work, Client queries and Improvement Requests that would have been raised involving the sample prep process.
16. Working closely with the QC department in preparing for Audits and addressing of non-conformances.
17. Assisting with the training of new Laboratory employees on the application of the sample preparation techniques.
18. Ensuring that all section’s staff competence modules are complete and up to date.
19. Providing technical support to team members, training them on new procedures, reviewed documents and coordinating training on the use of new equipment.
20. Assisting in reviewing and updating documents relevant to the section.
21. Ensuring that all employees in section comply to the HSE policy of the company.
22. Ensuring that all employees in the section comply to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS requirements).
23. Checking on daily staff attendance and address any problem timeously and pro-actively.
24. Ensuring that timesheets are properly checked and submitted on time for approval.
25. Will be expected to stand in for other Senior staff during their absence.
26. Performing any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

COMPLIANCE & AUTHORITY

1. Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or enter hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
2. Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
3. Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
4. Any person has the right to refuse to perform work that may damage the environment in an imminent and serious way and to report such a situation.

Qualifications

Education

1. Grade 12/ Matric with Mathematics and Science or equivalent experience.
2. Supervisory qualification will be an added advantage.

Experience

1. Minimum of 5 Years as a sample prep Supervisor or experience in management of staff.
2. Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management System.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Self-motivator
2. Must have an appreciable attention to detail.
3. Competent technical knowledge of sample preparation processes
4. Must have full understanding of the LIMS system.
5. Able to work with technical and management staff.
6. Able to coordinate sample prep activities.
7. Able to work independently and to coordinate several activities simultaneously.
8. Positive outlook with an ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
9. Good communication and interpersonal skills
10. Must have good trouble shooting and problem-solving skills.
11. Must be able to fluently communicate in English.
12. Must be able to build and maintain a good rapport between employees.
13. Must be willing to work overtime/flexible hours when necessary.
14. Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude when dealing with escalated issues.