
Quality Assurance Scientist (PSRSI)
- Denver, CO
- $69,024-75,926 per year
- Permanent
- Part-time
The Quality Assurance unit oversees the Quality Management System (QMS) of the State Public Health Laboratory for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The unit is responsible for the laboratory meeting regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and quality improvement by the development, review, implementation, and communication of all laboratory quality process.What you will be doing:
The QA Scientist supports the mission of the laboratory by ensuring that the highest possible quality of service is provided through the development and maintenance of a comprehensive QA Program. The position tracks regulatory compliance of ISO 17025:2017, FDA, CLIA and EPA regulations within the lab. The position tracks regulatory compliance, performs internal QA audits, and makes recommendations to QA Supervisor and Program Managers of units performing testing under these regulations to resolve quality issues and to improve efficiencies in the regulated laboratory units.Quality System Management
- Serves as subject matter expert for ISO 17025:2017, FDA and EPA requirements in the quality management systems (QMS), provide knowledge on other lab regulations (including CLIA).
- Pulls reports from iPassport and prepares meeting agendas
- Participates in programmatic and supervisory QA meetings
Documents and record keeping: ensures staff compliance with agency quality management system and statutory, regulatory, accreditation, and licensing requirements for documentation and recordkeeping in relation to the health and safety management systems. Responsible for maintaining the document control platform tracking all SOPs and division policies for regulatory compliance. Monitors the policies, processes, and procedures related to QA.Training
This position utilizes existing staffing levels to maintain and manage functionality of the program by providing cross-training of staff to ensure all staff are well trained in Quality Assurance. This position solicits input on all laboratory related training topics, facilitates access to continuing education for internal and external laboratory staff and tracks continuing education (CE) for division staff to ensure maintenance of staff credentials and state of the art laboratory systems knowledge.Residency Requirement: This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Five (5) years of relevant experience* in a laboratory setting performing biological, microbiological, biochemical or molecular science testing with an emphasis on directing or designing quality assurance (QA) protocols and safety procedures. OREducation and Experience:A combination of related education** biological and/or physical science (e.g., microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry or genetics and/or relevant experience* in a laboratory setting performing biological, microbiological, biochemical or molecular science testing with an emphasis on directing or designing quality assurance (QA) protocols and safety procedures equal to five (5) years. *This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.**A copy of your transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Late transcripts will not be accepted.Preferred Qualifications and Essential Competencies:
Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior or other posted competency should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process.
- An advanced degree in a biological and/or physical science (e.g., microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, or genetics)
- Ability to collaborate and achieve consensus across work units and programs
- Knowledge of generally accepted laboratory QA/QC procedures and processes as they apply to diagnostic and/or environmental testing
- In-depth knowledge of laboratory regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA, EPA, FDA, ISO)
- In-depth knowledge of biosafety recommendations and experience working at BSL-3
- In-depth knowledge of chemical safety recommendations
- Excellent management and supervisory skills
- Ability to strategize, organize and plan, including creating and updating training plans
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers
- Knowledge of and use of desktop computer hardware and software
- Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Ability to interpret regulations and statutes
- Ability to interpret and analyze data
- Keen attention to detail
- Ability to self-motivate
- Ability to work well independently as well as in/with a team
- Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a criminal history background check is required for all positions at CDPHE
- Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
- Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
- On-site position