Senior Microbiologist

Job Description

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 98,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,650 offices and laboratories around the world.

The Senior Microbiologist is responsible for the day to day functions of the Microbiology section of the SGS laboratory and for personnel management, implementation and maintenance of the quality system and control over sample analysis and reporting according to established analytical methods and procedures in an ISO 17025 accredited food safety testing laboratory as a technical signatory.

RESPONISIBILITIES

Personnel management – Microbiologist, Lab Technicians / Assistants, Interns

• Supervise staff according to company procedures and policies.
• Training in order to develop and optimize staff skills.
• Continuous measurement of skills and identify shortcomings of staff.
• Problem solving, advice and guidance on technical matters.

Performing tests

• Accurate registration, storage, retention and disposal of samples according to prescribed procedures.
• Preparation/supervising preparation of samples and media.
• Performing routine analysis on samples according to standard methods and procedures
• Ensure the execution and finalization of method validation plans and associated work as they arise.
• Operate instruments according to specified procedures
  • Maintain records indicating maintenance, working conditions and quality control measures
  • Ensure good laboratory practices are followed
• Adhere to competency training program.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

Planning of tests and evaluation of results

• Plan activities according to the sample volume and quantities received.
• Ensure customer service requirements for testing/analysis are met.
• Monitor and control stock levels of required chemicals and consumables.
• Adhere to sample turn-around timeframes.
• Evaluate results against quality control specifications

Reporting opinions and interpretations

• Documenting of all relevant sample information
• Calculation and record keeping of all analytical results.
• Report all results on SLIMS and / or designated worksheets.
• Issue reports and add comments or suggestions when required.

Method modification and development and validation of new methods

• Perform analysis and report results required for method and instrument validation
• Report shortcomings and deviations and perform communicated actions to implement and improve new and existing methods and procedures.

Quality & Health & Safety System

• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system
• Always wear appropriate protective clothing
• Adhere to all relevant safety procedures and protocols
• Awareness of the dangers of chemicals used through the study of MSDS
• Keep workplace and equipment neat and tidy
• Do not mess on any apparatus or instrument and if it should happen, clean up spills immediately before continuing.
• Perform Health and Safety inspections in designated areas.
• Report deviations and communicate instructions to improve and maintain the quality system.
• Record keeping of all control and reference sample results.

Managerial duties

• Support operations and contribute to positive staff morale

SPECIFIC AUTHORITIES

• 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.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
• Plan workload of subordinates to ensure optimal use of equipment and that turn-around times are met.
• Other specific authorities as indicated on the Agri Food Laboratory Designated Staff List

Education

• The position requires an Honours degree (Food Science / Microbiology majors) / BTech in Biotechnology from a recognized tertiary education facility in the field of microbiology.
• A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in a similar laboratory – high throughput routinised food safety testing in microbiology using ISO 17025 accredited methods is non-negotiable

Experience

• Experience in the application of ISO 17025.
• Understanding the operations, maintenance and operational requirements of instrumentation used in the laboratory.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Must be a technical signatory with SANAS for a minimum of 5 years
• SACNASP registration an advantage
• Proven experiment design skills

• Knowledge of laboratory functions and applications
• Maintenance of accreditation status
• Maintenance of service quality to customers
• Maintenance of turnaround time and reporting time set by management
• Well-developed interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Sound technical record keeping techniques
• Ability to work under pressure
• Propensity to pay attention to detail
• Proficiency and substantial experience in modern Microbiology techniques
• Proven ability to develop and validate methods
• High level of computer skills and familiarity with instrument control/data acquisition software