Scientific Specialist - Instrumentation

Basic Purpose:   What is the overall function of the job?   

• The primary role of the Instrumentation Scientific Specialist is to resolve highly technical or diverse problems with highly technical solutions through application of a diverse skillset.  The Scientific Specialist acts as a resource to Bureau Veritas’ Operations, Project, and Sales by providing high level technical support to further business development and customer retention. Examples include: the development of new technologies and analytical methods, equipment troubleshooting, integration of new clients, problem resolution, process development, and new location start-up.

Key Accountability/Responsibilities:   What specifically is this job expected to accomplish?  

Science and Technology:

• Provides complex technical support, guidance, and leadership to Bureau Veritas’ operational, project, and sales departments with particular focus on continuous improvement of laboratory instrumentation and their associated analytical methods.
• Acts as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for lab instrumentation and technology related issues
• Provides technical support to internal and external stakeholders through development of data extractions, data delivery, report presentation, framework construction, etc
• Provides technical support through feedback for customer problem resolution, sublet sourcing, data inter-relationship consultation, new science start up, internal consultation
• Establishes and maintains relationships with technology suppliers 
• Reviews alternative proposals for new technologies and makes recommendations for the best strategic return on investment 
• Remains current with all regulatory changes affecting Bureau Veritas’ laboratory and ensure appropriateness of analytical methods and systems to meet these requirements Operations:
• Develops new analytical methods to support the needs of corporate and departmental strategic plans
• Creates, modifies and/or updates standard operating procedures (SOP) reflecting method changes and methods
• Trains internal staff on laboratory processes, instrumentation, technical requirements, etc
• Oversees technical work performed by junior level staff as required
• Provides senior level data review for strategic projects to ensure that the appropriate level of quality in all analytical data and processes to meet the needs of the customer
• Prepares customized reporting and ensures adequacy of report formatting/report definition
• Evaluates changes in present procedures, which could improve efficiency, recovery, productivity etc.
• Evaluates and validates potential methods for use within Bureau Veritas and, where necessary, develop new methods
• Provides general lab support to other departments as required Business Development:
• For strategic projects and for specific key clients the Scientific Specialist could also act as Project Coordinator/Manager
• Support operations departments through the coordination of highly technical projects or business-at-risk situations Industry Support:
• Attend industry working groups, workshops and seminars in support of company branding strategy and to support business development through customer/industry interaction and exposure to latest technological advancements

Corporate:

• Reviews and provides input on safety and security protocols
• Adheres to Bureau Veritas Code of Ethics Policy
• Supports and complies with all Bureau Veritas policies, Quality System and Health & Safety program
• Participates, when requested in lab and health and safety meetings
• Participates, when requested in internal and external audits
• All other responsibilities as assigned

Skills and Knowledge:  What skills and knowledge are used to carry out job responsibilities and solve problems?

• Post-secondary education from a recognized science institution. E.g. BSc or MSc degree 
• 10 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Vast experience with diverse Laboratory instrumentation technologies
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of chromatography & mass spectrometry principles, operation, troubleshooting, mass spectra interpretation, calibration procedures
• Wide ranging knowledge of chromatographic injectors, detectors, valves, and appropriate usage scenarios
• Chromatogram interpretation, separation, column phases, etc.
• Deep understanding of QA/QC principles and how they are applied in chemical analyses
• Experience in method development, sample handling and chain of custody
• Keen analytical problem-solving skills and documentation skills
• Ability to work on complex technical problems of diverse scope
• Perform complex Root Cause Analyses and recommend solutions
• Exercise judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions •             Interpersonal - team approach
• Strong organization and communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Strong customer service skills
• Extensive experience with computer programs, including Bureau Veritas’ proprietary Laboratory Information Management

Systems (LIMS)

Work Relationships

Internal: Laboratory Operations, Projects, Instrumentation, Field Services, Sales, Customer Services External: Laboratory supplies and equipment vendors (Agilent, Fisher, etc.)

Working Conditions:  physical work environment, physical effort, visual and listening attention, and travel

• High level of work production in a fast paced work environment
• May require flexible working hours, according to business demands
• Workflow is determined by business needs and requires a positive attitude and ability to keep up with a fast paced environment in order to meet deadlines and maintain customer service standards
• Climate controlled laboratory working with and in close proximity to chemicals/solvents
• Safety procedures must be followed at all times