The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for the following:

 

• Ensures accurate and timeous completion of prescribed analytical protocols (SOPs) and accompanying administrative duties.
• 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 service delivery to customers.
• Self-Management.
• Minimize financial Risks.
• Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025).
• Communication and reporting to internal stakeholders.
• Management of critical consumables.

Job requirements:

1.    Qualification required:

• Minimum qualification of a National Diploma Analytical Chemistry or related field.

2.    Experience required:

• At least 2 years of experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited facility.
• Analysis of pesticide residues using the QuEChERS extraction technique.
• Implementation of accredited methods, increasing the scope of accreditation and a particular understanding of the technical processes including   HPLC/UPLC/GC-MS-MS/LC-MS-MS.

3.    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:

• Perform Internal Verification of Equipment.
• Ensures that the accommodation and environmental conditions of the laboratory is controlled and recorded accordingly.
• Checking quality and suitability of chemicals.
• Recording quality controls.

Technical processes – implementation:

• Sample registration on LIMS.                                                   
• Extraction of routine samples.
• Weighing, homogenizing, mixing, and filtering.
• Equipment verification (balances, volumetric flasks, pipettes).
• Pesticide analysss – QuEChERS extraction technique
• Preparation of reference standards.
• Preparation of daily solvents and standards
• Participation in proficiency testing schemes.
• Instrumentation setup – loading of samples on chromatographic instruments.

Meetings:

• Participate in laboratory staff meetings.

Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025):

• Implement standard QMS protocols.
• Consistent and correct application of analytical test methods.
• Compliance to statutory requirements.
• Record 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.