Chief Research Technician -Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis (Irene (Ap)) at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Managing the Microbiology Laboratory as an ongoing project.
• Budgeting and keeping track of project income and expenditure.
• Advising clients on analyses necessary to give them the information required.
• Quoting on work that can be done. Doing analyses when necessary.
• Communicating with clients on procedures for sending samples, payment, etc.
• Accepting and registering samples as per clients' requirements.
• Delegating work to staff members.
• Keeping track of the progress of work in the microbiology laboratory.
• Checking and approving results and signing test reports.
• Generating invoices and statements and following up on payments.
• Handling complains or queries from clients about results.
• Organising repairs to laboratory equipment.
• Organising the generation of requisitions, timesheets, and leave applications.
• Organising purchase orders, receipt of goods, and sending of invoices for payment.
• Compiling of monthly project reports.
• Carrying out any requests from Finance, SC Management, and HR.
• Overseeing the maintenance of accreditation with ISO 17025.
• Approving, submitting, and evaluating proficiency testing results.
• Investigating non-conforming work and non-compliance, initiating corrective actions, and doing risk analysis.
• Initiating improvements in procedures. Developing and adapting methods.
• Revising methods, procedures, and controlled documents.
• Performance evaluation of laboratory staff.
• Training staff, evaluating, declaring competence, and issuing authorizations.

Requirements

• An MSc degree in Microbiology (or equivalent NQF9) plus 10 years applicable experience, OR B Hons degree/ B-Tech Degree (or equivalent NQF8) plus 15 years applicable experience.
• The applicable experience MUST be in microbiological food and feed analysis or the food or feed industry.
• Knowledge of at least the following analyses: Bacillus cereus presumptive, enumeration, Bifidobacterium spp (cultured products and bacterial cultures) enumeration, Coliforms and Escherichia coli (milk & dairy products) enumeration, Coliforms and Escherichia coli (food & feed, meat & meat products) enumeration, Salmonella spp. Presumptive, detection, Total aerobic count, enumeration, etc.
• Knowledge and experience in accreditation with ISO 17025 are imperative.
• Experience as a technical signatory with ISO 17025 will be an added advantage.
• A valid Code EB driver's license.