Quality Officer - Trinidad Public Health Laboratory

Job Purpose:

The Quality Officer is responsible for the creation, implementation and maintenance of a laboratory quality management system. This position oversees quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement within the overall Quality Management System of TPHL including the development, review, implementation, and communication of all laboratory quality processes. The Quality Officer provides guidance and consultation regarding quality processes for all testing at the National level. The incumbent also ensures compliance with regulatory standards including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189:2022 which specifies requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories.  

Reports To:

• Director, Trinidad Public Health Laboratory (TPHL)  

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Verifies compliance with laboratory accreditation, regulatory standards and information management policies by providing leadership and guidance to ensure that quality policies, processes and procedures are established, current and adhered to by all laboratory staff.  
• Oversees internal audit processes, external assessments, proficiency testing programs; document control systems; competency assessments; training and other quality processes.  
• Identifies training needs, as well as design and implement training programs specific to the quality management system.  
• Recommends best practices to maintain and improve project outcomes or laboratory functions; facilitates laboratory improvement activities.  
• Analyses data, identifies trends, monitors the correction of quality deviations, and develops reports for management utilizing technical knowledge and laboratory experience.  
• Monitors customer satisfaction and performance metrics.  
• Identifies and reports quality issues to management with recommendations for resolution.  
• Establishes effective and professional modes of communication amongst laboratory staff.  
• Works closely with the safety officer to align quality and safety practices, monitors trends and promotes continuous quality improvement.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of quality management systems and quality improvement tools and techniques.  
• Working knowledge of accreditation standards, practices and guidelines sufficient to advise and guide laboratory managers and supervisors as they implement and maintain accreditation.  
• Working knowledge of computer and analytical software programs sufficient for evaluation of electronic data, data interpretation, and report development.  
• A strong understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques of the various analytical areas of the laboratory.  
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, and provide advice to management.  
• Excellent organization skills allowing the coordination of multi-faceted QA activities.  
• Ability to manage complex projects independently and in a team environment, maintaining good working relationships with multi-disciplinary staff.  
• Ability to analyse and interpret written information and scientific data, compare against established requirements, identify potential discrepancies, and make suggestions for improvement.  
• Ability to conduct and report quality assurance audits and reviews to determine compliance status and recommend corrective action plans.  

Minimum Experience and Training:

• A Bachelor's degree in a biological, chemical, or physical science-related field. This includes but is not limited to Medical or Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, Immunology, or Quality.  
• Certifications in Quality Management and Certifications from the Caribbean Med Labs Foundation (CMLF) and/or Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) will be considered an asset.  
• A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of recent work experience in a clinical, public health, or environmental laboratory.  
• Proficiency in the ISO 15189:2022 Standard is required.  
• OR Any Equivalent Combination of Training and Experience.