Quality Assurance Manager

Position Function The Quality Assurance Manager directs and leads all quality assurance and safety programs within the MSCL. This individual has the responsibility and authority to establish, implement, maintain and update the laboratory quality system to ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and other relevant accrediting standards in addition to monitoring laboratory safety practices. Salary Grade Grade: 15 Department Profile The Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory (MSCL) is a state‑appropriated regulatory agency for the State of Mississippi as well as a fee‑for‑service laboratory located on the campus of Mississippi State University. MSCL is dedicated to ensuring the quality and safety of fertilizers, pesticides, animal feeds, petroleum products, and manufactured and retail food. It provides fast, defensible, and reliable analytical data to: The State’s regulatory agencies, including MDAC Bureau of Plant Industry. The State’s federations and councils, such as the MS Farm Bureau and Delta Council. The State’s industries, including Poultry, Catfish, and Manufacturing. The State’s citizens. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Quality Management & Accreditation Oversight Maintain, and continuously improve the laboratory quality management system (QMS) to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO/IEC17025:2017 standards and other applicable regulatory requirements. Revise and maintain the laboratory's quality assurance plan and quality manual, as necessary. Assist laboratory sections in the development, review, and periodic revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory activities. Oversee and maintain the quality assurance module of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring proper configuration, documentation, and effective utilization. Maintain a system for documenting staff qualifications, experience, training, and certifications. Audits, Compliance, & Corrective Actions Conduct internal audits of laboratory processes for adherence to written laboratory SOPs, accreditation standards, and safety requirements. Prepare reports, communicate findings, and ensure implementation and effectiveness of corrective action by conducting follow‑up meetings with laboratory staff. Prepare and coordinate all responses to audit findings on behalf of the laboratory. Function as the point of contact (POC) with federal and state agencies and accrediting organizations for issues concerning data quality as well as scheduling and representing the laboratory during external audits. Routinely audit laboratory practices to ensure they are compliant with State, University and MSCL policies for laboratory and chemical safety and including chemical storage and disposal. Maintain records for implementing quality control practices and administer systems for tracking control processes (e.g., check sample programs, proficiency tests, method performance monitoring). Data Quality & Technical Oversight Review project quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) and laboratory‑generated data for accuracy, precision, and compliance with internal and external quality assurance standards. Monitor the performance of analytical methods, instrumentation, and reagents, maintaining control charts, reagent expiration dates, method quality control data, etc. Prepare technical reports and provide recommendations for corrective or remedial actions when necessary. Training & Communication Develop, schedule, and deliver training in quality assurance, quality control, and laboratory safety. Identify and anticipate future training needs as the laboratory expands. Keep State Chemist, section heads and other pertinent personnel informed of quality assurance, quality control, accreditation, and safety matters through regular meetings and written reports. Laboratory Safety Conduct routine inspections of laboratory safety equipment (e.g., eye washes, safety showers, gas monitors, etc.) to ensure proper operations. Perform other duties important to the function of the State Chemical Laboratory as assigned by the State Chemist. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s of Science degree with a focus in Physical or Biological Sciences. Five years laboratory experience. Proficient in statistics – experience in analyzing analytical data. Preferred Qualifications A master’s degree or PhD is highly valued. Strong analytical laboratory skills in microbiology and chemistry. Knowledge of requirements for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proficient knowledge and experience using computer word‑processing, spreadsheet programs, and database software. Knowledge of and ability to apply statistics to laboratory process control, including the use of means, standard deviations, confidence intervals, linear regression, hypothesis testing and uncertainty estimation and analysis. Ability to collect, evaluate and interpret scientific data and prepare technical reports. Ability to function amicably, comfortably and with initiative in a dynamic team environment and to achieve goals through cooperation with peers. Ability to function amicably, diplomatically, and effectively with internal and external clientele under stressful conditions. Ability to effectively interact with people in a positive manner and inspire laboratory staff to take ownership of quality assurance practices. Strong organizational skills with the ability to competently and efficiently manage multiple tasks simultaneously to complete time‑sensitive work. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively conduct technical training seminars. Ability to travel within and outside of the state to attend conferences, training courses and conduct reciprocal audits at outside laboratories (typically less than 10 % annually). Working Conditions and Physical Effort Job frequently requires walking, standing, lifting, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands. Work involves exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal‑opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io. Accommodations for Applicants with Disabilities In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired. #J-18808-Ljbffr