Scientific Services Quality Analyst

Prepare documentation to support audits by external stakeholders and liaise with auditors.

Support the design and implementation of laboratory training programmes.

Manage document control and review.

Liaise with the LIMS Team to support the management of STS data quality and reporting standards.

Responsible for promoting and delivering health and safety commitments across UÉ and its supply chain, reinforcing positive behaviours and delivering health and safety objectives and requirements to the highest industry standards.

Support the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation-wide objectives.

Manage change requests and change control, including impact analysis on other areas of the Quality Management System.

Prepare SOPs and supporting documentation as required.

Perform operational risk assessments of test methods and other aspects of the QMS.

Reporting to the STS Quality Manager, the STS Quality Analyst is responsible for undertaking audits, managing non-conformances, and performing other quality activities to support the development and management of the QMS and maintenance of accreditation. Travel to off-site locations for auditing purposes and non-conformance investigations will be a requirement for this role.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders as required and communicate information in a manner than can be understood by both non-expert or expert audiences.

Develop the audit schedule in conjunction with the Quality Manager.

Monitor analytical quality control across all STS Laboratories and sampling.

Identify process improvements to maintain quality and integrity of the sampling and analytical processes, drive efficiency and adopt industry best practice.

Establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships with the STS Laboratory and Sampling Teams and support Uisce Éireann HR policies and initiatives.

Design calibration and maintenance schedules for laboratory and sampling equipment and review certificates.

Subscription, distribution and reporting of proficiency testing schemes.

The Environmental Regulation function is responsible for the day-to-day management of environmental regulation and compliance. The function monitors the compliance of the water and wastewater network and treatment works, influences external environmental policy and manages environmental stakeholder relationships. Environmental Regulation provides expertise to the Uisce Éireann business on influencing environmental policy and managing stakeholders around environmental regulation affecting Uisce Éireann’s practices. The function provides regulatory expertise to the business, including the Senior Leadership Team, in all aspects of environmental regulation. The team provides support on legislative and regulatory changes that will affect Uisce Éireann policies in the future.

The Scientific and Technical Services (STS) functional area is responsible for the national provision of operational support services to include sampling and laboratory analytics, ensuring that activities are performed in accordance with regulatory obligations to protect public health and the environment. The STS Quality Team will develop, communicate, and manage the STS Quality Management System (QMS).

Undertake technical audits of STS processes to ensure customer focus and compliance with ISO 17025, ISO 5667, INAB requirements and relevant legislation to ensure the maintenance of accreditation.

Deputise for the Quality Manager in their absence when required.

Monitor and report KPIs for processes over which they have ownership.

Management of non-conformances, including analyses of root cause, extent and implications, identification of associated risks and opportunities, identification and implementation of corrective actions, and review of effectiveness of corrective actions.

Adhere to all HSQE plans, policies, and procedures.

Provide training to the STS Teams in quality-related areas.

Provide advice and guidance to the STS Teams on quality-related issues.

Support the development and delivery of test method verification/validation programmes.

Experience with Laboratory Quality Management Systems and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Knowledge of current analytical best practices and procedures within drinking water and wastewater sampling and analysis is desirable.

Minimum of 3 years experience working in quality in an accredited environment, preferably ISO 17025, including auditing experience, non-conformance management, and change control management.

Experience in taking ownership of safety responsibilities and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

In depth knowledge of the requirements of ISO 17025, other standards, and current legislation with respect to drinking water and wastewater sampling and analysis.

Flexibility to travel when required; full driving license and own transport is essential.

Ability to make decisions based on the analysis of information within a fast-paced customer-focused environment.

Highly motivated individual, proven track record in identifying opportunities for process improvements and innovation.

Proven track record in resolving complex issues, along with the ability to communicate information to others.

Relevant third level qualification in Science, Environmental or related discipline.

Experience of writing and reviewing laboratory procedures and related documentation.

Strong analytical skills and ability to identify and analyse problems and make decisions that benefit the team/communities.

Ability to develop effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to look for and listen to diverse perspectives.

As the laboratory’s operational hours will be 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, this role requires some flexibility in terms of working hours, as the candidate may be infrequently required to work non-standard hours (e.g., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. or 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.). This would be dependent on business needs and notified in advance. There is also a service commitment to providing laboratory cover on weekends and Public Holidays. When required to perform weekend/public holiday work, this will be infrequent as part of a defined rota and in addition to the standard working week. Rostered work performed outside 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday will be remunerated as a roster participation allowance.