SENIOR RESEARCH TECHNICIAN - QUALITY ASSURANCE: ANALYTICAL SERVICES

Agricultural Research Council; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research organization in Pretoria seeks a Quality Management System Manager to oversee the QMS implementation and maintenance. This role involves coordinating quality control activities, training management staff, and ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation standards. Strong statistical skills and experience in a laboratory environment are essential.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in implementing and maintaining QMS.
• Ability to coordinate and deliver training.
• Understanding of ISO 17025 accreditation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain the QMS.
• Coordinate quality control activities and compliance.
• Facilitate QMS training for management.

Skills

Quality Management System (QMS)

Statistical data evaluation

Relationship building

Job description

• Implementation, maintaining and improving the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Control of quality scheme requirements and proficiency testing schemes.
• Handling the maintenance and distribution of the quality manual and associated documents.
• Demonstrating implementation of QMS during 3rd party assessments.
• Coordinating clearance of non-conformances during the assessments.
• Implement and update management standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Function as the nominated representative as required by SANAS ISO 17025.
• Planning and coordinating the performance of QMS to Management.
• Coordinating QMS training for Management.
• Plan and schedule Management reviews.
• Compile and analyse customer feedback trends.
• Work closely with Laboratory Manager & project leaders to ensure compliance.
• Facilitate and monitor method validation process in the laboratory.
• Coordinate and administer the improvement system.
• Build relationships with all technical and professional personnel.
• Build relationships with suppliers and clientele.
• Assist with the evaluation and root cause analysis of proficiency tests, customer complaints, audit findings and improvement requests.
• Identify non-conformances in timely and unbiased approach to achieve customer satisfaction.
• Plan, schedule and perform quality assessments to provide certainty that the quality control activities are being done effectively.
• Be able to statistically evaluate data.
• Provide guidance and direction to laboratory personnel with respect to quality control and proper documentation in implementing methodologies and data reporting.
• Provide constant feedback to Management on status of quality in the laboratory.
• Ensure that the laboratory accreditation under ISO 17025 is not jeopardised.
• Adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.