Senior Microbiology Analyst

OVERALL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:  

The goal of the Senior Analyst (Microbiology) is to ensure that all laboratory based results are accurate and timely and are entered into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in order that they can be delivered to customers within agreed timeframes or, in order that the confirmatory process can be triggered. Chain of Custody procedures should be adhered to at all times to preserve the integrity of the sample.

SCOPE

The Senior Analyst is to assist Laboratory Management in the management of the laboratory and ensure all samples are processed adequately, by suitably trained staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undertake the day to day work programme in the laboratory to agreed deadlines and quality standards
• Ensure that analysis is completed and results are ready to be reviewed within agreed deadlines
• Review confirmatory data
• Review non-conforming work
• Actively assist the Laboratory Manager in organising, prioritising and planning the day-to-day work programme and longer-term development projects in the laboratory to agreed deadline and quality standards
• Investigation of analytical errors
• Support the maintenance of quality standards by running the appropriate internal QC samples and to trend review and monitor performance of quality standards. Act on outcomes of reviews to ensure integrity of data produced during the analytical process
• Adherence to quality systems, including review and amendment of relevant policies and procedures as necessary
• Act as 'champion' of the importance of quality in the laboratory
• Assist in the preparation of reagents, media, calibration standards and control materials in accordance with relevant methods and logged within the appropriate logs
• Stock control and ordering to ensure adequate levels of 'in-date' reagents, chemicals and consumables, enabling monitoring of laboratory budgets, and to be able to explain purchases if asked to do so by accounts
• Training and supervision of Analysts and Trainee Analysts
• Continuous Improvement - to drive the improvement of existing analytical methods and the development of new methods as and when the need arises.
• Laboratory cleanliness and maintenance of a safe and pleasant work environment
• Carry out tasks as directed by Laboratory Management and to feedback any problems, working to assist in their resolution
• Continue to participate in training programmes across Laboratory Operations to develop themselves and to increase their breadth of understanding of analytical techniques, as well as to increase their understanding of the function of Operations as a whole. This will include training and working in both laboratory and customer services, depending upon business need and day-to-day demands/staffing levels

LIMITS OF AUTHORITY – FREEDOM TO ACT

• The job holder works within the constraints of various regulatory standards including ISO17025.
• The job holder reports to the Laboratory Manager, with tasks and duties to be discussed as required.
• The speed with which the job holder receives feedback on their decisions depends upon the decision being made.  Feedback on matters concerning team members is usually immediate.  Feedback on decisions concerning compliance adherence (eg introduction of new systems/procedures) can take up to 1 week.  Guidance is available from line manager, divisional management team and external regulatory bodies.
• The job holder is responsible for liaising with Laboratory Management regarding method and procedure updates.
• Special requirements of role include leadership, teamwork, problem solving and using own initiative.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Apply health and safety and quality standards as required by the Company, statutory legislation and external customer requirements
• To ensure that all customer contractual terms are met, and that laboratory processes comply with quality standards implemented by UKAS.
• Take responsibility for the leadership and development of the analytical team, consistently improving the service culture in line with KPIs agreed with Laboratory Management.
• Retention, motivation, mentoring and coaching of employees.
• Promote best practice throughout the laboratory, in terms of quality driven laboratory production.
• Develop and maintain technical expertise to a standard enabling identification and development of new methods and technologies in line with the strategy of the business.
• Uphold and apply the Alpha Scientific and Genuit values, the leadership standards and act as a role model for management and staff.
• To assist in the review, update and improvement on existing methods and the development of new methods that will bring benefit to the company
• To carry out any reasonable duties as specified by the line manager

REQUIRED PROFILE:     

• Qualification to Degree or higher and management experience is desirable
• Previous microbiology laboratory experience is essential
• To have excellent communication skills, and to be confident when dealing with customers
• Must be IT literate
• To be able to work within set targets and goals, and be able to manage expectations
• To be able to work well in a team, with an open, honest and approachable character.
• To have a good eye for detail and understand fully the business processes

Here at the Genuit Group we recognise and develop the contribution our people make to the Group’s success and are committed to attracting talent from the widest pool. We have a role to play in making the built environment more sustainable, building a low carbon business ourselves as well as delivering sustainable solutions at scale.