QC Senior Scientist

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An international laboratory company in Basingstoke is seeking a Quality Control Technician. This role includes carrying out Quality Control Testing, assisting team leaders, and maintaining laboratory standards. Candidates should have a Level 6 qualification in Microbiology and possess strong problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will have experience in quality control in a microbiology lab, with proficiency in SAP and various laboratory methods. This is a stimulating environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Effective planning and organizational skills.
• Advanced experience in basic laboratory methods and procedures.
• Good numeracy skills, able to read and follow methods precisely.

Responsibilities

• Carry out Quality Control Testing in accordance with specified methods.
• Assist the QC Team Leader as needed.
• Ensure processes and procedures align with company Quality Systems.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem Solving

Effective planning

Communication

Laboratory methods

Education

Level 6 educational qualification in Microbiology or related subject

Tools

SAP

MS Office software packages

Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Cold Room/Freezers -22degreesF/-6degrees C, Laboratory Setting, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Strong Odors (chemical, lubricants, biological products etc.), Will work with hazardous/toxic materials

Job Description

Responsibilities:

Carry out Quality Control Testing in accordance with Oxoid test specifications and methods. This will include but is not limited to:

• Level 1, 2, 3 & 4 testing methods
• Making usage decisions
• Assisting and deputizing for the QC Team Leader in tasks such as work allocation, tiered meetings, lab evacuations and wherever else the QC Team Leader requires support
• Raising change controls to correct test specifications and methods where required
• Media Preparation
• OOS investigation and repeats
• Raising and investigating incidents
• Training records recorded and maintained
• Plan, track and control the progress of products under test, and provide accurate availability dates to planning and customer services
• Alerting the QC Team Leader of potential problems/failures and assist with further investigation
• Ensure all test results are recorded within the SAP Quality Management module
• Provide support during audits as required
• Cleaning
• Waste management
• Consumable replenishing
• Use of autoclaves

Ensure processes and procedures are carried out aligned with the laboratory and company Quality Systems. Build and maintain effective working relationships to ensure robust teamwork cross functionally and with collaborators (key interfaces include QC Manager, QC Lead Scientist, QC Team Leader, QA, Manufacturing Sciences, Production, Customer Services and Planning) to guarantee customer service level objectives are achieved.

Taking direction from the QC Team Leader and Lead Scientist regarding prioritization of finished product and raw material testing. Assist with coaching, training and qualification of personnel to acquire all skills vital to performance product and material testing in a safe and quality manner.

Engage in continuous improvement using the PPI lean methodology including standard work and tier meetings. Use PPI processes to solve problems and improve departmental and business processes. Role-model the Thermo Fisher 4I Values and use as a day-to-day guide in decision making to fulfil the responsibilities of the position as defined in the Oxoid Health, Safety and Environmental policies and associated Codes of Practice.

Additionally, the role holder may be required to specialize in the following areas:

Curator

To maintain all aspects of the culture collection with regards to records, storage, identification studies etc, in line with Thermo Fisher policy and current regulations. Ensure templates for equipment verification are maintained and issued within required timescales and Maintenance of schedule 5 inventories, including FD and -80 stocks.

Lab Trainer

Primary responsibility for training new and existing personnel and responsible for training delivery, training record maintenance, training system and driving practical skill knowledge across the entire department.

Reference Sample Management

Ownership of the reference sample store processes (SOP, maintenance, deposition, retrieval) ensuring that delivery targets are met consistently, to support the workflow of departments outside of the QC laboratory

Minimum Qualifications

• Level 6 educational qualification or equivalent in a Microbiology or related subject (or QBE)
• Effective planning and organizational skills
• Decision Quality - Attention to detail and a systematic approach
• Problem Solving - Effective in technical and organizational troubleshooting to root cause
• Communicates openly creating collaborative relationships by developing strong work relationships, displaying integrity and building trust across functions
• Commit to Results - Delivering consistent results by being willed to take action, demonstrating interpersonal agility, planning effectively and setting priorities.
• Advanced experience in basic laboratory methods and procedures (pipetting, swabbing, streaking, pouring plates etc).
• Experienced in laboratory methods, the skills and techniques required to test multiple product ranges (minimum of 4 product types)
• Good numeracy skills, and ability to read and follow methods / SOPs precisely
• Competency and experience working to Schedule 5 regulations
• Experience working with ACDP Hazard group 3 organisms in a containment level 3 laboratory

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Significant experience of quality control testing within a microbiology laboratory environment
• Composure Able to remain calm and work methodically under pressure
• Continuous improvement mentality
• Significant experience in using SAP, and MS Office software packages.