Job Description

Technical Oversight:

• Supervise and coordinate all technical activities within the laboratory, including sample preparation, testing, data analysis, and result reporting and approval.
• Ensure that testing procedures and methodologies comply with SANAS accreditation standards and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to laboratory staff to resolve complex testing issues.

Quality Management:

• Support implementation and maintenance of the robust quality management system in line with SANAS accreditation standards (ISO/IEC 17025).
• Monitor and enforce adherence to quality control procedures, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Collaborate to conduct internal audits, address non-conformities, and implement corrective actions.
• Technical oversight and guidance on method validation and method verification.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of technicians.
• Provide training, guidance, and professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of laboratory staff.

Instrumentation and Equipment:

• Support the troubleshooting of all methods, instrumentation, and non-routine matrices.
• Improve technical efficiencies with methods, planning execution of the work in progress requirements.
• Support for repairs, upgrades, and procurement of new equipment/ other as needed. Provide technical input to the improvement and updates to LIMS functionalities.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Review, approve and analyse test data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with specified standards and methods.
• Prepare accurate and detailed test approval and correlations.
• Verify and validate analytical results before finalizing reports for distribution.

Client Interaction:

• Act as a technical point of contact for clients, addressing technical inquiries and providing expert guidance on testing methodologies and results interpretation.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their specific testing requirements and ensure that testing protocols meet their needs.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay current with environmental regulations, standards, and industry best practices.
• Ensure that testing procedures and protocols align with relevant environmental regulations and guidelines

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiency enhancements, and cost-saving measures.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the quality and efficiency of testing processes.
• Stock control management and procurement of consumables and implementing cost effective solutions.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and guidance to laboratory staff, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to improve overall laboratory operations and efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelorxe2x80x99s/ Masters/ >10 years relevant experience in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental testing methodologies and techniques.
• Strong understanding of SANAS accreditation standards (ISO/IEC 17025) and quality management principles.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or managerial role within an accredited laboratory. Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and precision.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and effectively manage personnel.
• Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data analysis software.

Job Type: Permanent Ability to commute/relocate:

• Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelors (Preferred)

Experience:

• Environmental Science, chemistry, biology: 10 years (Preferred)