QC Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

JOB SUMMARY

The objective of this role is to perform full analysis of flavor and fragrance raw materials that pass through the Quality Control laboratory. This encompasses the classical wet analysis, instrumental analysis to assess the acceptability of the profile, and organoleptic evaluation, to ensure that any material that enters or leaves the site is fit for purpose. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Measure physical parameters of flavour and   fragrance raw materials originating from various departments and external   sources, which includes but is not exclusive to density, pH, refractive   index, optical rotation, %Aldehyde, and Peroxide values.
• Perform instrumental analysis on the above   products which includes but is not exclusive to, UV spectroscopy, gas and   liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy.
• Collect and analyze chromatographic data, being able to make conclusions on sample suitability and identify potential contamination, adulteration, or chromatography issues.
• Perform general essential oil analysis but with further tests specific to the substance under analysis.
• Participate in organoleptic evaluation of the products.
• Prepare tasting solutions, arrange for a   representative number of individuals to carry out analysis, and report data.
• Prepare reagents for routine and non-routine analysis as well as analytical standards, to include accurately weighing and diluting stock  standard materials for calibration purposes. 
• Identify problems, whether it be with a sample, process, or instrument, and  propose solutions to address issues in a timely manner.
• Carry out regular calibration and maintenance of   the measuring instruments as prescribed by the working practices in the   laboratory.
• Perform internal microbiological testing.
• Communicate with relevant departments for   analytical samples to be sent for external analysis and collate the results.
• Revise and review SOPs to ensure methods are up to date. 
• Assist in sample receipt to the Quality Control   laboratory to maintain workflow of sample analysis to the required areas of   the department.
• Carry out day-to-day laboratory checks and   housekeeping tasks, these includes washing up glassware and emptying the waste   at the end of each day.
• Capable of working independently and as a team player.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement in the   Quality Department (e.g. suggestions on improvements in efficiency, cost   cutting, improvements in effectiveness of operations).
• · Follow any task and request as requested by   Quality Control Supervisor or Quality Control manager

General tasks   within the department:

• Assist Quality Control Supervisor   in maintaining chemical inventory for the Quality Control laboratory and in   the purchase of any items necessary for routine analysis.
• Ensure that the working area   in the laboratory is maintained in a clean and orderly condition and that any   hazard or potential hazard is reported to the Quality Control Supervisor or Quality   Control Manager.
• Report any faults or   deficiencies in equipment or analytical practices to the Quality Control   Supervisor or the Quality Control Manager.
• Always maintain your own and   other staff’s healthy and safety ensuring a safe working environment.
• Undergo training in areas   specific to Treatt PLC business as required.
• Undergo training in   additional practices to those to aid the efficiency of the Quality Department   as a whole.
• Perform such other tasks   that may be required from time to time. 
• Undertake a shift pattern   where necessary to continue a high level of service to internal customers. 
• Act in the best interest of  Treatt PLC always.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

• A Quality Control Analyst will either have a degree in a science-based discipline, preferably with chemistry-based modules, or industry experience relevant to the role.
• Analyst will have extensive chromatography experience (at least 2 yrs) and is comfortable operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating GC and LC instrumentation, as well as confident analyzing the data for trends and anomalies. 
• Analyst will have the following skills: attention to detail, multitasker, effective communicator, and be able to lead when necessary.
• Analyst must have a track record of taking the initiative to better themselves, the team, the business, systems/processes, etc. 
• Technical   expertise: Classical wet analysis and instrumental analysis techniques in order   to perform any testing required on the specification of material in   accordance with the standard operating procedures. Safe working practices to   be adopted within the laboratory environment at all times ensuring   appropriate use of PPE to prevent breaches of health and safety for yourself   and colleagues. Calibration and maintenance of equipment utilized to ensure   it is correctly functioning at all times and troubleshooting those issues   that arise, reporting these issues to the Quality Control manager.
• Assessing and interpreting risks: Report any breaches in health and safety on the   incident cards provided by the health and safety representative. Action   should be made to prevent any such incidents where possible. If material   fails the assigned test specification, then testing should be repeated on the   sample. If persistent failure is seen, where possible a re-sample should be   requested for testing before reporting all findings from the analysis.
• Business/IT Knowledge: Understanding   of where the Quality Control department fits within the company alongside   building and maintaining relationships with key departments. Operational   knowledge of STARS for data entry on testing samples, and JDE for required   applications for role. Be competent at using Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge about vulnerability/security: If required to   correspond with Suppliers or Customers regarding the results of analysis,   ensure that intellectual property on methodology is only shared when   appropriate. Correspondence should be overseen by the Quality Control   manager.

SKILLS   & ABILITIES

• Organization   skills: Ensure that testing of material is completed before the due date   assigned in STARS 100% of the time, giving priority to those samples marked   as urgent which should be completed on the day of receipt if before 12pm and   the following morning if after 12pm. Request re-samples in sufficient time   taking into account service level agreements with Manufacturing and Goods In,   and chase up samples if service level agreements are not met. Notify the   Quality Control manager if a sample is likely to go overdue with an   explanation as to why so that this information can be cascaded to internal   customers. All updates should be provided by 3pm.
• Leadership   skills: Not required for this role. Open communication and teamwork is   essential.
• Creative and Analytical   thinking skills: If failures are observed   with products, assess the possible route cause of this failure, and establish   next best steps. Utilise GCMS to identify any additional or absent compounds   in a sample to ensure desired quality is met and advise why these observations   may have been seen. Look out for continuous improvement opportunities within   the laboratory and share any possible proposals with the Quality Control   manager.
• Communication   skills: Ensure open and consistent communication with all team members. Any   issues which may result in late completion of sample analysis to be   communicated to the Quality Control manager. If assistance is required to   maintain service levels, it is the responsibility of the analyst to   communicate this need.
• Creativity skills: Alongside day to day   analysis, when time allows, partake in method improvement or project work as   applicable. To include but not exclusively, research into new techniques and   knowledge development of specific project groups.
• Integrity: Essential within a Quality   Control role to ensure accurate reporting of analysis. 
• People skills/relationship building: Gain an   understanding of those departments with which we have key relationships-Planning, Process Control,   Procurement, Manufacturing, Goods In. Ensure that all work carried out is   both of the required quality, whilst also meeting the needs of internal   customers where possible.