Main responsibilities include: Conducting general analysis of products and raw materials in the laboratory in line with the standards required for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Total Quality Management (TQM), regulations of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

HPLC and AA experience a must!

1. Accurate analysis of all customer’s samples from a variety of industries with strict adherence to validated test methods developed by Acorn Laboratories, from current Pharmacopoeia, or methods supplied by customers to ensure that accurate and precise results are released within the specified lead times.
2. Taking an active role under supervision in research and method development and method validations.
3. Understanding and implementing all relevant aspects of Acorn Laboratories’ quality systems. Be trained on technical aspects of laboratory functions, TQM and GLP.
4. Calibration of equipment on a daily, weekly or monthly basis according to SOPs.
5. Adhering to and maintaining safety standards.
6. Monitoring of laboratory environmental conditions and reporting discrepancies.
7. Running necessary pre-analysis checks on equipment to ensure that they are not damaged and deliver accurate and precise results.
8. Filling in daily equipment operational log sheets.
9. Filling in other log books controlling toxic/poisonous substances, broken glassware, use of HPLC, standardisation formulas, test solution, etc.
10. To report all equipment failures, Out Of Specification results (OOS), any factors that may negatively influence the working environment or safety regulations within the lab and the quality of results being released, as soon as they occur.
11. Signing off of monthly checklist of allocated tasks ensuring that the tasks are carried out in accordance with their particular requirements within the specified time limits.
12. Accurately logging of samples, reagents, solvents and reference standards received into the Goods Receiving database with all relevant information supplied. Updating of the Scheduled Substance Register and placing required identification stickers on all items received (samples, chemicals, reference standards, equipment, and consumables) with all relevant information to ensure traceability. Removal of expired reagents on a monthly basis.
13. Maintain the waste cupboards ensuring that not more than the allocated waste containers are kept on site and to alert the designated waste company for waste removal. Maintain the volatile storage area, ensuring that all volatile chemicals are stored in the volatile chemicals cabinet and that toxic/poisonous reagents and acidic chemicals are stored in their allocated cupboards.
14. Carrying out and signing off daily shutdown checks to make sure that all gas-lines, computers and equipment not in use are turned off and that the lab is left in a clean condition with no chemicals, consumables (e.g. pipette tips, paper towel, glassware), sample preparations or workbooks lying around and benches have been wiped down.
15. Neatly reporting results in duplicate books and results sheets making management aware of any complications or changes made, signing off of duplicate books, recording all necessary information and signing where changes were made giving reasons for the adjustments where major adjustments have been made.
16. Adhering to the Laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) – Management, Technical and Equipment.
17. To assist in internal audits and to respond to internal audit non conformances.
18. Any additional tasks including those mentioned above, allocated by management, to ensure proficient laboratory functioning maintaining productivity and continuous improvement.