Quality Assurance Officer

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

13d • $6,169 - $7,094 • Onsite

About The Position

Serves as a Quality Assurance (QA) Officer for the Environmental Chemistry section of the Public Health Laboratory Division. Coordinates, monitors, and evaluates QA activities within assigned laboratories and associated laboratory support areas. Performs audits and reviews of laboratory systems to ensure adherence to certification/licensing requirements and Quality Management System (QMS) Policies and Procedures. Provides professional consultation and technical assistance to laboratory management, staff, public health personnel, regulatory officials and external customers. Works under minimal supervision by the Quality Assurance Group Manager with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of analytical chemistry and radiological principles and techniques for laboratory testing of environmental contaminants in water, food, and soil samples.
• Knowledge of EPA, TNI, and ISO/IEC: 17025 regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and statistical methods in laboratory analysis.
• Knowledge of document control system requirements.
• Knowledge of customer service practices.
• Skill in evaluating analytical test systems based on regulatory requirements and performance data.
• Skill in applying problem solving techniques.
• Skill in use of personal computer for word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Skill in resolving conflict.
• Ability to interact positively with regulatory agencies and auditors.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to organize data and write concise reports with recommendations.
• Ability to analyze complex scientific and regulatory information and reach an appropriate conclusion.
• Ability to interact positively with peers, subordinates and upper levels of management, and to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on review of data, professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Bachelor’s degree in the chemical, environmental, biological sciences, physical sciences or engineering, with at least twenty-four (24) college semester credit hours in chemistry
• At least two (2) years of experience in chemical or radiological analysis of environmental samples is preferred.
• Experience in regulatory requirements such as TNI, EPA, or ISO/IEC: 17025 standards.
• Quality Assurance and/or experience participating in or conducting internal audits based on laboratory regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a QA Officer for testing in the Environmental Sciences Branch and ISO 17025 regulated chemical analysis of food. Serves as a QA officer for all other areas of the laboratory as necessary. Coordinates and monitors assessment, documentation and other QA activities within assigned laboratories and associated laboratory support areas. Consults and interprets federal publications and regulatory standards such as the Federal Register (CFR), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ISO 17025, The NELAC Institute (TNI), Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and confers with regulatory officials as needed. Provides professional consultation and technical assistance to laboratory management, staff, public health personnel, regulatory officials and external customers. Provides accurate, timely and professional responses to all inquiries or requests for assistance. Provides guidance to management and staff in the development and implementation of new methods and procedures. Presents QA training for new employees and other lab staff as needed.
• Performs audits and reviews of laboratory systems to ensure adherence to QMS policies and procedures and certification/licensing requirements. Performs quality management system audits within the laboratory (including management and technical requirements), according to the internal audit procedure, internal audit schedule, and/or in response to requests from laboratory management. Observes performance of procedures and reviews records to determine compliance of practices in use with regulatory agencies and internal policies. Prepares written audit reports and conducts management briefings within established timelines and performs follow ups to ensure implementation of corrective actions.
• Reviews, approves, and collaborates with laboratory staff to resolve Corrective (CAR) and Preventive Action Requests (PAR). Works to eliminate non-conforming practices, cultures, and follows up to ensure implementation of corrective actions. Provides assistance with root cause analysis where necessary. Coordinates with laboratory staff to establish due dates for CAR’s and ensures completion. Communicates to lab staff and management regarding overdue deliverables. Evaluates proposed corrective actions are adequacy, verifies implementation, and monitors for effectiveness.
• Develops, implements and reviews policies and procedures to ensure that quality systems are effective and that appropriate regulatory and certification/licensing requirements are met. Reviews new and revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure regulatory compliance. Monitors Periodic reviews of SOPs to ensure compliance with regulatory and laboratory policies and procedures. Ensures periodic reviews are completed on or before the pre-determined deadline. Follows up with lab staff in associated area, who have overdue reviews. Reviews Quarterly QA Reports, QA Monitors, and Performance Indicators.
• Monitors proficiency testing programs and ensures compliance with proficiency testing procedures and policy including the receiving of proficiency testing samples, initiation of tracking forms, reporting results, and traceability of records. Reviews graded and ungraded proficiency survey evaluation reports and ensures that appropriate corrective actions are implemented and documented for non-compliant results. Annually reviews proficiency program participation to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level