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COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE (CGS) 
 
SCIENTIFIC DATABASE COORDINATOR
Position Status : Permanent
Peromnes Grade : P09 (R 594 830.42 CTC Per Annum)
Location : Head Office (Pretoria)
Reporting Line : Manager: Analytical Services
Overall Job Purpose : The purpose of this job is to implement and maintain a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), perform data analytics (including finance) from the information on LIMS to inform business decision, provide in-house support to LIMS users and to arrange in-house LIMS training.
 
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project Implementation/ Project Management
  • Manage LIMS users (login detail for users, reset users’ passwords, set up of users’ roles)
  • Liaise with external LIMS support to identify problems and resolve logged issues.
  • Prepare materials to support implementation and ongoing use of the LIMS.
  • Provide technical support during testing and implementation of LIMS.
  • Integrate laboratory instruments with LIMS.
  • Develop and review user guidelines and manuals for the LIMS users.
  • Coordinate forms and report templates with the Document controller.
  • Perform basic information system administration.
  • Initiate and perform in-house LIMS training.
  • Ensure daily backups of SQL database and LIMS documents in IIS on server. Liaise with ICT for yearly test of database shutdown and restoring of it.
  • Conduct analyses of laboratory data and information management requirements.
  • Maintain LIMS support files and table modifications according to the needs of the organisation and Analytical Services Unit.
  • Create report templates using software such as Crystal Reports.
  • Report financial and production progress on work for samples in jobs and track the value chain of analyses from submission of sample to the quality results produced.
  • Report any technical issues to the Analytical Services Unit Manager
  • Comply with all Health & Safety legislation, policies and procedures, and reporting all unsafe equipment and working conditions to the manager.
  • Liaise with scientific personnel within the Analytical Services unit for technical clarifications as per clients requests
  • Ensure that all laboratory personnel record analytical data by emphasising LIMS utilisation to end-users.
  • Initiate, monitor and oversee contracts for database programming/upgrades.
  • Conduct effective cost control and budgeting.
Quality Assurance
  • Implement and work according to the quality management system.
  • Perform continual improvement assessment and customisation of LIMS and recommend modifications for optimal quality assurance.
  • Ensure compliance with the requirements of the prescribed standards (i.e. ISO)
  • Implement quality control and assurance assessment of data captured into LIMS
Stakeholder Relations and Reporting Stakeholder Relations and Reporting
  • Liaise with internal units in the CGS for support, advice, coordination and attend to user specifications requirements.
  • Practice a high level of professionalism when interacting with stakeholders.
  • Gives formal technical presentations describing LIMS, including in-house training.
Learning and Development
  • Keep abreast with advances in the data processing field and database enhancements.
  • Participate in continuous professional development initiatives/interventions in order to keep up with new technologies in the information management field. Participate in training workshops /courses for professional development.
  • Conduct LIMS training for CGS users as and when required.
  • Ensure implementation of the individual development plan as per contract.
 
KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Good presentation skills
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to give attention to Details
  • Organisational skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Troubleshooting
 
Qualification, Knowledge, and Experience
  • Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) or equivalent in Information Technology and one years’ experience in laboratory operations and LIMS administration
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Information Technology and three years’ experience in laboratory operations and LIMS administration
  • Knowledge of SQL and a scripting language such as Jscript
  • Experience of generating and interpreting Crystal Reports or equivalent reporting software.
  • Experience in ISO17025 and ISO 9001
  • Knowledge of solid and liquid samples preparations, laboratory analysis, techniques, and associated data evaluation.
  • Knowledge of computer system technologies, including application software
  • Experience with technical systems design documentation and writing technical specifications
  • Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
  • Knowledge of scientific principles applicable to laboratory operations, including analytical test methods, laboratory logistics and samples, national and international conventions for laboratory data reporting in order to recommend, design and maintain appropriate laboratory database systems is an added advantage
  • Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations
  • SACNASP certification is an added advantage
  • Valid driver’s license

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The Council for Geoscience is committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity prescripts, preference will be given but not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. Females and people from previously disadvantaged groups and sectors are encouraged to apply.
 
If you meet the above requirements and wish to apply, please send your application to careers@geoscience.org.za 
Please quote the position title (Scientific Database Coordinator) as a reference when submitting your application.
 
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
 
All appointments are subject to vetting processes. Appointments are subject to positive vetting results.
 
Applications submitted on CGS social media platforms will not be considered.
 
Closing Date: 07 April 2023