CDA-Senior Quality Assurance Analyst; Physical Scientist III

Overview

CDA-Senior Quality Assurance Analyst (Physical Scientist III)

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) seeks a Senior Quality Assurance Analyst to lead quality assurance activities within the Biochemistry Laboratory (BCL) and ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and related regulations. The role involves quality system administration, policy and SOP development, internal audits, proficiency testing oversight, equipment calibration coordination, and other duties to maintain accreditation and laboratory integrity.

• Quality System Administration & Compliance: Coordinate and administer the overall Quality Assurance Program (Quality System), focused on BCL and aligned with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards; monitor compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, GLP principles, Federal/State regulations, grant requirements, and third-party accrediting bodies.
• Policy/SOPs & Document Control: Develop, write, edit, and implement BCL-wide policies, manuals, SOPs, and work instructions; manage document and records control processes and the laboratory’s Document Control procedures.
• Quality Control and Corrective Action: Review and evaluate analytical data for quality control issues; plan and implement corrective actions; monitor effectiveness and close out findings.
• Internal Audits: Perform internal audits and surveillances to ensure compliance; oversee audits conducted by others and provide reports with findings and recommended improvements.
• Proficiency Testing Program: Receive, track, and act on proficiency testing results; institute corrective actions for any failures and assist staff in investigations.
• Equipment Calibration: Coordinate calibration of laboratory devices with external firms and ensure calibration traceability.
• Other Duties: Support operation and maintenance of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); liaise with LIMS provider; prepare reports as requested by management and stakeholders.

• Minimum Qualifications: Six (6) years of relevant professional QA/QC experience in a regulated laboratory, or a combination of related education in Biochemistry or Microbiology and equivalent experience.
• Substitutions/
  
  Conditions:
  
  In-person at the listed location; remote work not available (as applicable).

• 10 years of professional QA/QC experience in an ISO 17025 environment; demonstrated knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 management and technical requirements.
• Experience leading or coordinating external assessments by accrediting bodies (e.g., A2LA, ANAB).
• Quality professional certification (CQA, CQE, CQM, CQT, etc.) within 12 months of hire.
• Leadership experience in QA/QC, including risk analysis, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions; SOP drafting and validation; experience with LIMS, SharePoint, data systems; mentoring staff and overseeing PT programs.
• Experience with metrological concepts (Measurement Uncertainty, traceability) and bench chemistry or microbiology with complex instruments (e.g., HPLC MS/MS, QTOF, ICP-OES, PCR).

• Competitive salary and biweekly/annual compensation ranges as listed by the employer.
• Retirement benefits, medical and dental plans, life and disability insurance, paid leave and holidays, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
• Inclusion and diversity commitment; ADA accommodations available upon request.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer that values equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, or other protected status. More information: EDI initiatives and accommodations process are available on the agency’s website.

Applicants should describe how they meet the listed qualifications in the application materials. The department may require reviews of submitted materials, and inadequate information may affect consideration.

• Online application describing how you meet the minimum qualifications.
• Paper application option available with submission instructions.
• Required documents: DD214 (if applicable), unofficial transcripts (if applicable).

Location:

Broomfield, CO