Quality Assurance Analytical Technical Specialist

Quality Assurance Analytical Technical Specialist Apply Post Details

Full time Open ended

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 15 September 2024. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing Monday 30 September 2024.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 3115.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

This role provides technical expertise in a range of analytical methodologies as well as quality assurance assistance in the activities and procedures of the Nutrition Analytical Service (NAS) ISO 17025 Quality System.

The role has responsibility for laboratory supervision and methodologies including liquid (LC) and gas chromatography (GC). The role holder will co-ordinate and supervise all analysis undertaken as well as the training and supervision of other staff, students and visiting workers. This post has a key responsibility for the research, design and implementation of new methodologies within the Faculty as part of the FNS research, teaching and enterprise strategy. This also involves method development and validation of new methodologies as requested by NAS customers and Faculty staff.

The role has responsibilities within the ISO 17025 Quality System as Deputy Quality Manager. This will provide resilience and assistance to co-ordinate and supervise all activities and procedures required to ensure that the service provided by NAS is compliant, consistent and delivers an excellent customer experience and in turn maximises revenue from NAS activities. The role holder will also be required to deputise for the Quality Manager of NAS when required as stated in the ISO 17025 documentation.

This role is integral to the delivery of the University Strategic Plan.

Description of Duties

Assistance with the implementation and operation of the ISO 17025 Quality System on a day-to-day basis to ensure that reporting of results to customers is of the highest standard and within the required timescales

Conducting regular audits of the Quality System, while reviewing and updating the Quality Manual, Quality Procedures, laboratory methods and controlled documents as and when required

Provision of laboratory supervision and technical expertise with focus on analytical methodologies (LC, GC) with specific focus on nutritional quality analysis and method development

Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with customers and stakeholders (internal and external) ensuring methods of communication are efficient and effective. This will involve daily communication to optimise analytical workflow, maintain the laboratory environment and provide customer advice relating to a variety of matters including report delivery and resolving complaints or analytical issues

Monitoring of analytical equipment activity ensuring all calibrations are conducted to the appropriate schedule, and routine maintenance tasks are completed

Responsibility for the overall laboratory environment ensuring an acceptable level of consumable stocks and relevant materials necessary for the continued analytical workflow, research project delivery and student project objectives

Support student learning through the demonstration of equipment and analytical methodology

Contribute to the interpretation and evaluation of results for research and student projects as well as NAS

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Educated to Degree level or equivalent (where no formal qualifications are held, additional, relevant experience is required)

Knowledge & Experience

Working knowledge of and ability to implement and maintain ISO 17025 (or equivalent) Quality System with experience of conducting required audits and document control

Demonstrable expertise in a wide range of analytical techniques related to the analysis of nutritional parameters including the use of chromatography analytical instrumentation, systems and methodology

Significant experience of working in a laboratory environment and providing supervision and problem-solving skills

Experience of front line working within customer facing environment

Strong experience of team membership with measurably positive impact on the organisation

Demonstrable experience of Health and Safety protocols and risk assessments

Skills & Attributes

Ability to organise own and other's activities to maintain timely provision of analytical results and staff and student training

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to work under own direction with minimal supervision on routine laboratory matters

Ability to confidently engage with colleagues at all levels and to gain the confidence of members of staff and students across the University

Ability to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, judgement and discretion

Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Good technical problem-solving skills and an ability to adapt in situations where the outcomes are unexpected or undesirable

Compliance with H&S legislation

Accurate record keeping and computer skills

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Job number

FAC01934

Contract Type

Open Ended

Posting End Date

15-Sep-2024

Location:

Stirling Campus

Grade

Grade6 £29,605-£36,024 p.a.

Faculty/Service

Faculty of Natural Sciences Post Details

Full time Open ended

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 15 September 2024. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing Monday 30 September 2024.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 3115.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

This role provides technical expertise in a range of analytical methodologies as well as quality assurance assistance in the activities and procedures of the Nutrition Analytical Service (NAS) ISO 17025 Quality System.

The role has responsibility for laboratory supervision and methodologies including liquid (LC) and gas chromatography (GC). The role holder will co-ordinate and supervise all analysis undertaken as well as the training and supervision of other staff, students and visiting workers. This post has a key responsibility for the research, design and implementation of new methodologies within the Faculty as part of the FNS research, teaching and enterprise strategy. This also involves method development and validation of new methodologies as requested by NAS customers and Faculty staff.

The role has responsibilities within the ISO 17025 Quality System as Deputy Quality Manager. This will provide resilience and assistance to co-ordinate and supervise all activities and procedures required to ensure that the service provided by NAS is compliant, consistent and delivers an excellent customer experience and in turn maximises revenue from NAS activities. The role holder will also be required to deputise for the Quality Manager of NAS when required as stated in the ISO 17025 documentation.

This role is integral to the delivery of the University Strategic Plan.

Description of Duties

Assistance with the implementation and operation of the ISO 17025 Quality System on a day-to-day basis to ensure that reporting of results to customers is of the highest standard and within the required timescales

Conducting regular audits of the Quality System, while reviewing and updating the Quality Manual, Quality Procedures, laboratory methods and controlled documents as and when required

Provision of laboratory supervision and technical expertise with focus on analytical methodologies (LC, GC) with specific focus on nutritional quality analysis and method development

Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with customers and stakeholders (internal and external) ensuring methods of communication are efficient and effective. This will involve daily communication to optimise analytical workflow, maintain the laboratory environment and provide customer advice relating to a variety of matters including report delivery and resolving complaints or analytical issues

Monitoring of analytical equipment activity ensuring all calibrations are conducted to the appropriate schedule, and routine maintenance tasks are completed

Responsibility for the overall laboratory environment ensuring an acceptable level of consumable stocks and relevant materials necessary for the continued analytical workflow, research project delivery and student project objectives

Support student learning through the demonstration of equipment and analytical methodology

Contribute to the interpretation and evaluation of results for research and student projects as well as NAS

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Educated to Degree level or equivalent (where no formal qualifications are held, additional, relevant experience is required)

Knowledge & Experience

Working knowledge of and ability to implement and maintain ISO 17025 (or equivalent) Quality System with experience of conducting required audits and document control

Demonstrable expertise in a wide range of analytical techniques related to the analysis of nutritional parameters including the use of chromatography analytical instrumentation, systems and methodology

Significant experience of working in a laboratory environment and providing supervision and problem-solving skills

Experience of front line working within customer facing environment

Strong experience of team membership with measurably positive impact on the organisation

Demonstrable experience of Health and Safety protocols and risk assessments

Skills & Attributes

Ability to organise own and other's activities to maintain timely provision of analytical results and staff and student training

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to work under own direction with minimal supervision on routine laboratory matters

Ability to confidently engage with colleagues at all levels and to gain the confidence of members of staff and students across the University

Ability to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, judgement and discretion

Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Good technical problem-solving skills and an ability to adapt in situations where the outcomes are unexpected or undesirable

Compliance with H&S legislation

Accurate record keeping and computer skills

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni