Quality Assurance Evaluator

Position Function:

The Quality Assurance Evaluator is charged with quality oversight ensuring that any product or service offered or performed by Mississippi State Chemical Lab is of a quality that meets the standards of the customer or client. Serving as a customer interface, communicates directly with customers, clients, and MSCLstaff, in an effort to gain an understanding of their needs and to obtain feedback. The QA Evaluator monitors the progress of sample requests to ensure appropriate turn-around time, quality work, also checks equipment and reagents used in relation to sample requests as well as reviewing and updating documents, monitoring training and competency records in addition to any other duties as assigned.

Salary Grade: 14

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

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:

1. The State's regulatory agencies, including MDAC Bureau of Plant Industry.

2. The State's federations and councils, such as the MS Farm Bureau and Delta Council.

3. The State's industries, including Poultry, Catfish, and Manufacturing.

4. The State's citizens.

The MSCL adheres to the highest professional standards and provides quality analytical services in a timely manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with university safety protocols and complete relevant safety trainings (e.g., chemical safety, biosafety, hazard communication).
• Assist in developing and maintaining the laboratory quality management system to meet regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025: 2017).
• Prepare for and participate in external audits, remaining current on all applicable standards and regulations.

2. Documentation Control and Process Monitoring

• Organize and maintain accurate, up-to-date controlled documentation, both in hard copy and digital formats, ensuring accessibility for compliance and audits.
• Coordinate verification processes for critical laboratory equipment (e.g., balances, pipettes, thermometers), manage inventories, and schedule external calibrations.
• Oversee issuing and tracking of record logbooks, ensuring proper recordkeeping in accordance with regulatory and documentation standards.

3. Quality Audits, Inspections, and Corrective Actions

• Conduct internal audits and inspections of laboratory processes and standard operating procedures, issuing written reports of findings.
• Initiate corrective action requests (CAR) for identified nonconformities, perform root cause analyses, and track corrective/preventive actions (CAPAs) to closure.
• Facilitate continual improvement initiatives and monitor effectiveness of implemented changes.

4. Data Review, Testing, and Reporting

• Review laboratory data, including proficiency testing (PT) results, for accuracy and regulatory compliance; submit results accurately and on time.
• Participate in analyzing and interpreting data trends, identifying potential issues, and recommending improvements.
• Compile and distribute laboratory reports, ensuring timely and accurate delivery to internal and external stakeholders.

5. Training, Customer Feedback, and Collaboration

• Develop and deliver training programs on laboratory SOPs, pipetting techniques, and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements, reinforcing a culture of quality.
• Coordinate the collection and review of solicited customer feedback, implementing actions that enhance laboratory operations and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align quality objectives and strategic initiatives that support continuous improvement.

6. Other Duties

• Perform other duties important to the function of the State Chemical Laboratory as assigned by supervisory personnel.

Full supervisory authority when assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education BSc Degree Relevant scientific field

Experience 2+ years -Working in an analytical laboratory

Technical knowledge Understanding of Quality Management Systems

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements and laboratory accreditation standards.

2. Experience with Laboratory Information Systems

3. Experience in Quality Assurance within a regulatory laboratory environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques

2. Ability to monitor and/or maintain quality control standards

3. Ability to resolve customer complaints and concerns

4. Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures

5. Skill in use of computers

6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

7. Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures

8. Knowledge of specified products and equipment related to position

9. Ability to provide technical guidance and training to end users

10. Ability to work independently and in a team environment

11. Ability to supervise and training employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work

12. Ability to coordinate quality assurance programs in area of speciality

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Occasional and/or light lifting required.

Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable

May involve minor safety hazards where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc.

Externally imposed deadlines; set or revised on short notice; frequent shifts in priority; numerous interruptions requiring immediate attention; may include frequent heavy travel and/or unanticipated irregular work hours; unusual pressure on a daily basis due to accountability for success for major projects or areas of operation.

Job frequently requires standing, walking, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 25 pounds

Job occasionally requires sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling

Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

All applicants must apply online and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Search, screening, and selection process will begin as soon as the required posting period is completed.

Screening Date: May 16, 2026

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

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, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

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 tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.