Serology & Data Interpretation Analyst

Job Description Permanent Full-Time (40 hours per week) Based at our Laboratory in Wellington We have an opening for a Serology & Data Interpretation Analyst at the Wellington Laboratory.
This is a unique opportunity where our successful candidate will be able to use their assortment of competencies in chemistry and biology to perform and review a wide range of testing methods.
  The first part of the role involves analysing LC-MS/MS, GC-MS and GC-MS/MS data using instrument vendor software (SCIEX OS, Agilent Mass Hunter) from various assays within the Food and Environmental chemistry teams.
Responsibilities include handling data analysis, providing training to laboratory staff, and updating standard operating procedures as required.
   The other part of the role involves the review and authorisation of a range of ELISA testing results for animal diseases including Mycoplasma Bovis, Enzootic bovine leukosis, Border Disease, Johne's Disease and Brucellosis Ovis.
  Our successful candidate will use their existing knowledge to train laboratory staff and help them trouble shoot when issues arise, perform verifications of testing consumables, as well as reviewing methods and operational processes for improved efficiency, productivity and profitability.
  Key requirements to be successful in this role: •    At least 3 years experience in a commercial and ISO 17025 accredited laboratory environment •    Experience working within a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) or Government agency.
•    Must have appropriate tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience.
•    Must have IANZ and RLP signatory status (Key Technical Personnel) •    Demonstrate scientific understanding of chromatography data analysis and  ELISA methods.
•    Experience with ISO17025 & RLP quality modules and ability to pass technical competency tests.
•    Proficiency using a Laboratory Inventory Management System, preferably LabWare •    Experience conducting internal auditing   •    Sound understanding of Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
The completion of a formal NZQA course in occupational  Health and Safety would be well regarded.  Candidate Profile: · Technical Expertise: Must have knowledge of and experience with various data analysis software packages used at Wellington Laboratory.
An in-depth understanding of Food Team testing and Serology testing is essential.
· Adaptability: Must be able to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a challenging environment.
· Leadership Skills: Ability to lead by example in areas such as Quality Control and Health & Safety is advantageous.
· Problem-Solving Aptitude: Strong problem-solving skills and effective time management are essential.
Remuneration: $59,857 - $63,681 Application Process: To apply, submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and skills online.
    Qualifications   Additional Information Purpose of Role The Analyst is responsible for performing independent or specialist analytical work, providing technical advice and training to laboratory staff, along with identifying and investigating developments or procedures that could lead to increased efficiency, productivity and profitability.
Scope Locations within New Zealand, Data Interpretation & Serology teams Areas of Responsibility 1. Analysing LC-MS/MS, GC-MS and GC-MS/MS data using instrument vendor software (SCIEX OS, Agilent Mass Hunter) from various assays within the Food and Environmental chemistry teams.
2. Ensuring samples are tested and completed on time using the correct methods and procedures along with the reporting and maintenance of true and accurate records.
3. Providing training to laboratory staff on instrument vendor software, data interpretation for various pesticides, veterinary medicine, contaminant residues and animal disease detection assays and related protocols.
4. Updating standard operating procedures as required.
5. Operate analytical chromatography instruments to acquire data as required 6. Review and authorise of a range of ELISA testing results for animal diseases including Mycoplasma Bovis, Enzootic bovine leukosis, Border Disease, Johne's Disease and Brucellosis Ovis 7. To document, revise and assess the ELISA analytical methods used in the laboratory in consultation with the Senior Scientist.
8. To uphold the scientific integrity and professional reputation of both themselves and that of the laboratory, and exercise professional judgement in difficult issues.
9. Ensure recognised quality control procedures are in place and documented for new or modified serology procedures along with identifying and reporting any quality issues and ensure corrective or preventative actions are carried out and completed to the root cause of the issue.
10. Notify appropriate Team Leader of "out of spec" results and of retest or other problems with samples and analyses.
11. Report all customer complaints/concerns to the Team Leader and take appropriate action.
12. Sign off reports as an authorised signatory for the appropriate serology assays.
13. Complete Special projects as and when required.
14. Participate and contribute to health and safety continuous improvement initiatives.
Report all incidents, including near misses, whether or not these incidents involve actual consequences, ensure safe work practices are followed, and proactively promote safe behaviour and injury prevention.
Participate in training and working safely including the proper use of safety equipment.
Ensure safety at work is top priority.
15. Support the Find a Better Way programme through understanding and participation.
This includes being actively involved in all the day to day improvement activities that are supported in your area.
It includes understanding the customer focussed measures that are in place that support the overall performance in your area as well as the part that your role plays in impacting those measures.
Relationships Internal Relationships and Nature of Relationship Manager - Receive direction, agree objectives, obtain and provide info Team - Provide support to and receive support from Other Service Units - Support and Guide Employees - Support and Guide External Relationships and Nature of Relationship Customers - Relationship management Regulatory bodies - Regulatory compliance Industry associations - Contract compliance Decision Making Finance - Service Unit - As per Delegation of Authority Direct Reports None Experience & Knowledge Education Desirable  Appropriate tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience.
IANZ signatory or substantial progress towards achievement (where applicable) Advantageous PhD/MSc or tertiary equivalent  Experience Desirable 2+ years industry related experience.
Advantageous Experience working within SOE or Government agency  Experience within an accreditation/certification industry Knowledge & Skills Desirable Understand analytical methods Demonstrated scientific understanding Advantageous Production experience Core Competencies Supporting and Co-operating - Supports others and shows respect and positive regard for them in social situations.
Puts people first, working effectively with individuals and teams, clients and staff.
Behaves consistently with clear personal values that complement those of the organisation.
Working with people - Demonstrates an interest in and understanding of others.
Adapts to the team and builds team spirit.
Recognises and rewards the contribution of others.
Listens, consults others and communicates proactively.
Supports and cares for others.
Develops and openly communicates self-insight such as an awareness of own strengths and weaknesses.
Analysing and Interpreting - Shows evidence of clear analytical thinking.
Gets to the heart of complex problems and issues.
Applies own expertise effectively.
Quickly learns new technology.
Communicates well in writing.
Applying expertise and technology - Applies specialist and detailed technical expertise.
Develops job knowledge and expertise through continual professional development.
Shares expertise and knowledge with others.
Uses technology to achieve work objectives.
Demonstrates an understanding of different organisational departments and functions.
Creating and Conceptualising - Open to new ideas and experience.
Seeks out learning opportunities.
Handles situations and problems with innovation and creativity.
Thinks broadly and strategically.
Supports and drives organisational change.
Learning and Researching - Rapidly learns new tasks and quickly commits information to memory.
Gathers comprehensive information to support decision making.
Demonstrates a rapid understanding of newly presented information.
Encourages an organisational learning approach (i.e learns from successes and failures and seeks staff and customer feedback).
Organising and Executing - Plans ahead and works in a systematic and organised way.
Follows directions and procedures.
Focuses on customer satisfaction and delivers a quality service or product to the agreed standards.
Following instructions and procedures – Appropriately follows instructions from others without unnecessarily challenging authority.
Follows procedures and policies.
Keeps to schedules.
Arrives punctually for work and meetings.
Demonstrates commitment to the organisation.
Complies with legal obligations and safety requirements of the role.
Adapting and Coping - Adapts and responds well to change.
Manages pressure effectively and copes well with setbacks.
Adapting and responding to change - Adapts to changing circumstances.
Accepts new ideas and change initiatives.
Adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations.
Shows respect and sensitivity towards cultural and religious differences.
Deals with ambiguity, making positive use of opportunities it presents.
Coping with pressure and setbacks - Works productively in a high pressure environment.
Keeps emotions under control during difficult situations.
Balances the demands of work life and personal life.
Maintains a positive outlook at work.
Handles criticism well and learns from it.