The Supervisor/Lead primary responsibility is validating and authorizing the test results obtained from sample analysis, as well as consulting with the Senior Scientist and remaining informed of their activities to satisfy the needs of the project's Stakeholders and other customers.
To propose to the Laboratory Manager new test requirements and their importance in terms of technicality and commercial acceptance.
To source out the state-of-the-art technologies available from time to time and initiate to implement them in the facility.
Foster collaborative and productive research environment.
Support the Laboratory Manager and assisted by the Senior Scientists for smooth operation of the lab.
Manage day-to-day staffing with accountability to guarantee safe service delivery and TAT upkeep.
Responsible for method development, Validation and Verification
Supervise, provide training, and periodically assess the competency of personnel in the department.
Responsible for the developed and reviewing method.
Supervise laboratory operations and evaluate the accuracy of the results.
Participate and be accountable for the recruitment of personnel.
Ensure all research activities comply with relevant regulatory guidelines and safety protocols.
Publish research papers and technical reports.
Provide technical support to the team, establish latest techniques and processes in the responsible section based on the requirements.
Use a variety of techniques, including molecular techniques, to test complex samples.
Responsible for writing and reviewing technical SOPs in area of responsibility.
Report, investigate, and monitor errors and incidents as per policies.
Assist safety officer in risk and COSHH assessments in area of responsibility.
Work in conjunction with Laboratory manager, providing cover if required.
Responsible for reviewing results provided by the Senior Scientist.
Responsible for competency assessment documentation in line with ISO.
Ensure correct procedures are adhered in Bacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Molecular and BSL3 laboratories.
Liaise with Equipment Engineer and assure proper maintenance and calibration of equipment.
Liaise with Facility and Procurement team to ensure smooth operation of the laboratory.
Liaise with clients to understand their needs, providing technical support and ensuring satisfaction with lab services
Assist laboratory manager in the development and management of the laboratory budget, monitoring expenses and optimizing resource use.
Cross functional collaboration with other departments to support overall organizational goals and projects.
LEADERSHIP
Ability to lead and supervise projects and deliver results.
Increase the technical capabilities of the laboratory through collaboration and mentoring.
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking to solve complex technical problems.
Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadline.
Good interpersonal skills.
To attend, and chair, departmental and inter departmental meetings.
To deputise for Lab manager as and whenever required.
Maintain professional knowledge by attending lectures, seminars, or online education units.
Maintain the strictest confidence in relation to sensitive information whether formally or informally recorded.
Promote and maintain quality in all services, ensure continuous quality improvement measures are in place, follow SOPs and Best Practices as instructed in the relevant laboratory documents, and ensure that SOPs and Quality Assurance tests are maintained.
Quality
Complies with all ISO17025 requirements and Laboratory quality management system.
Follow SOPs and Good Laboratory Practices.
Participate in Proficiency testing, Blind testing, or any other laboratory quality control programs.
Assist the QM in ensuring non-conformances are investigated, documented, and changes to practice identified where necessary including implementation of corrective action require to improve quality.
Participate in and undertake an audit (External and Internal).
Responsible for QC and QA for the microbiology section.
Collaborate with the Training Manager in planning and organizing personnel training.
Monitor KPIs for the microbiology Section, ensuring TATs are maintained.
Act as a link between the Microbiology Laboratory, other RASID department.
Support with identification of relevant proficiency programs to meet the accreditation scope requirements.
Health and Safety
Participate in Health and Safety activities and responsible for risk assessment in the area of responsibility.
Participate in Risk and Hazard identification.
Complies with the RASID Health and Safety requirements
Act as key contact and laboratory link for Infection Control.
Ensure all team members are trained and practice a safe working environment.
Qualifications:
PhD or MSc degree in Microbiology/Applied Microbiology/Biotechnology with experience in wastewater monitoring and surveillance or other relevant science discipline.
A minimum of eight (8) years of industrial/academic experience working in a microbiology lab environment, ideally in water or wastewater analysis laboratory.
Three or more years of supervisory experience.
Evidence of scientific contributions in terms of publication/achievements.
Capable of managing a team of 20 staff.
Advanced working knowledge of Microbiology automated and manual techniques.
Advanced knowledge of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.
Knowledge and experience in a wide range of analytical systems, techniques, and quality assurance.
Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Experience in molecular techniques and different platforms of molecular testing.
Knowledge of infectious diseases and diseases causing agent.
Knowledge of disease spreading mechanisms.
Infection control and safety precaution for routine microbiology lab operations.
Knowledge of ISO and UKAS Accreditation.
Knowledge of LEAN.
Knowledge of control of change and change of management.
Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
Knowledge of preparing and presenting reports.
Experience in incident reporting, investigation, and monitoring.
Ability and experience in supervising and training other personnel.
Analyse experimental data using appropriate statistical methods.
Write and review scientific manuscripts, grant applications and technical reports.
Ability to sit or stand at laboratory benches and instrument computer screens for extended periods of time and tolerate the extended use of standard laboratory safety equipment.
Ability to work safely in a hazardous environment with potential exposure to and presence of toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, radioactive, and other tissue-destructive chemicals, bacterial cultures, wastewater, and physical hazards.
