Quality Assurance Specialist II - Ames National Laboratory

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

Would you like to work for a National Laboratory that conducts world-renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a beautiful university campus? Can you imagine yourself in a mid-sized location that regularly ranks as one of the U.S. Best Places to Live? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider a career with Ames National Laboratory! Ames Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy federally contracted National Laboratory located in Ames, Iowa, on the campus of Iowa State University. We are dedicated to translating foundational science through applied research to create technological innovations. We create materials, inspire minds to solve problems, and address some of the most challenging issues facing our world today. We promote and believe in a culture of civility and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory's collective success. The Ames National Laboratory Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist reports to the Assurance Manager in Laboratory Planning and Performance Management and assists with the development, direction, and maintenance of the Ames Laboratory Quality Assurance program. Duties include coordinating the program in adherence with Prime Contract requirements, Federal requirements (10 CFR 820 and 830), DOE Order 414.1E, international standards (e.g. ISO 9001: 2015), and Ames National Laboratory policies, plans, and procedures. The QA Specialist coordinates lab-wide projects and processes including the Performance Evaluation Measurement Plan (PEMP), the Annual Laboratory Plan, and independent and self-assessments. QA also manages the issues tracking program, in which deficiencies in processes and programs are identified and corrective actions are developed, tracked, implemented, and verified for effectiveness. Additionally, this position cross-trains with other members of Performance Management to provide seamless professional support to Ames Laboratory and DOE customers. The QA Specialist is organized and proactive to ensure projects are completed successfully. In addition, the QA Specialist possesses excellent written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to handle high-level communications with necessary tact, professionalism, and sensitivity to confidentiality. The ability to work effectively and professionally with a diverse constituency of faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders within a team environment and work independently as needed for assignments is a requirement for this position. Additionally, the ability to gather, analyze, and assemble data; prepare reports according to required format; multi-task; and meet deadlines are all critical for success in this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
excellent written and oral communication skills
the ability to handle high-level communications with necessary tact, professionalism, and sensitivity to confidentiality
The ability to work effectively and professionally with a diverse constituency of faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders within a team environment and work independently as needed for assignments
the ability to gather, analyze, and assemble data; prepare reports according to required format; multi-task; and meet deadlines

Nice To Haves

Experience with quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
Experience participating in or conducting audits, assessments, and root cause analyses.
Experience working within regulated environments (e.g., Ames National Laboratory/ISU, DOE, USDA).
Experience with DOE directives, Codes of Federal Regulation, and/or consensus standards such as ASME NQA-1, ISO 9001, or ISO 14001
Experience evaluating performance metrics, trends, and risks to inform decision-making.
Experience with document control processes and records management.
Experience creating instructional materials and guidance for others to use.

Responsibilities

assists with the development, direction, and maintenance of the Ames Laboratory Quality Assurance program
coordinating the program in adherence with Prime Contract requirements, Federal requirements (10 CFR 820 and 830), DOE Order 414.1E, international standards (e.g. ISO 9001: 2015), and Ames National Laboratory policies, plans, and procedures
coordinates lab-wide projects and processes including the Performance Evaluation Measurement Plan (PEMP), the Annual Laboratory Plan, and independent and self-assessments
manages the issues tracking program, in which deficiencies in processes and programs are identified and corrective actions are developed, tracked, implemented, and verified for effectiveness
cross-trains with other members of Performance Management to provide seamless professional support to Ames Laboratory and DOE customers

Benefits

comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.