Technologist Bacterial Laboratory – SSTBL

Main job function

Minimum Education (Formal Qualification): SAQA recognised tertiary qualification with applicable subjects (microbiology, plant pathology, biochemistry or similar). Emphasis on Plant Pathology.
Minimum Education (Short-courses attended): ISO/IEC 17025 related courses.
Minimum Technical Knowledge: Microbiology, plant pathology, analytical methods such as conventional microbiological, PCR-based, serology (ELISA-based).
Minimum Experience: In-house training, evaluation and declared competent.
Minimum skill: Practical laboratory analysis in methods employed in the applicable section.
Identify and report departures from the procedures and methods in the Quality Management System.
Supervisory to laboratory and general assistants and part-time workers in all laboratory activities applicable to the section.
Interpret and authorize reporting of finalized results generated in this section.

Responsibilities
Execution of all assays pertaining to testing for the presence of bacterial pathogens of crops, not limited to potato.
Documenting all testing activities during the execution of duties and responsibilities.
Recordkeeping of testing activities during the execution of duties and responsibilities.
Participation in Proficiency testing; interlaboratory testing and intra-laboratory testing where and when applicable.
Participate in the evaluation of internationally available ELISA test kits.
Verification of balance/s and pipettes as per written procedures.
Responsible for the monitoring and recording of the environmental conditions in all applicable areas in the section.
Supervision of housekeeping in the bacterial laboratory and relevant areas.
Oversee the routine operation and maintenance of all apparatus and equipment applicable to the section

Maintain knowledge in all aspects of test activities (sample handling and processing, test methods and techniques, reagents, and kits as well as equipment and apparatus used to facilitate continuous improvement of laboratory).
Improve knowledge about specific methods, procedures, and ISO/IEC 17025 to identify departures.
Continued competence in understanding and application of ISO/IEC 17025 in relevant test aspects.
Investigate possibilities of improvement, preventative actions, and minimizing risks.
Communicate/recommend possibilities to the supervisor for referral to Management for consideration and approval.
Training of laboratory assistants and new appointees at the Laboratory in the performance of test-related tasks.
Training new appointees from regional laboratories in Potato Laboratory Services that perform test-related tasks.
Assist in planning and compilation of the program of the Potato Laboratory Annual Workshop.
Responsible for reception of relevant documents and samples.
Responsible for recording and communication of sample and/or documentation errors and to resolve any issues before continuing with the sample processing and testing.
Responsible for planning and scheduling sample processing.
Responsible for arranging and allocating tasks in processing to laboratory assistants (permanent and/or part-time) where and when applicable to the sample type and through-put.
Maintain knowledge in all aspects of sample handling and processing, methods and the techniques, reagents, and kits as well as equipment and apparatus used to facilitate continuous improvement of laboratory and personally by attending courses and doing literature studies.
Improve knowledge about specific methods, procedures, and ISO/IEC 17025 to identify departures.
Continued competence in understanding and application of ISO/IEC 17025 in test aspects

A Consultant will be in touch if you are shortlisted for the position. Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not have been contacted within 2 weeks. We will keep your CV on our database and contact you should you match the criteria of any other vacancies.