Quality and Safety Officer Lead - Pathology

The Quality & Safety Officer Lead at the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory is responsible for overseeing and enhancing laboratory processes to ensure the generation of accurate, reliable, and timely results for all clients. This role contributes to the development, review, and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures while maintaining strict adherence to international accreditation and testing standards, including the WADA International Standards for Testing and Laboratories and ISO accreditation through A2LA.

The Quality & Safety Officer Lead interacts extensively with laboratory staff to verify the adequacy and effectiveness of the Quality Management System, ensure proper documentation practices, and confirm the acceptable performance of all analytical testing procedures. Additionally, the role ensures that personnel receive appropriate training and that laboratory activities consistently meet compliance and operational excellence benchmarks. As Lead, incumbent provides consultation and education in regards to regulatory compliance across a broad scope to staff and management. Contributes to the review and development of educational activities and materials.

The Quality & Safety Officer Lead also implements and monitors laboratory safety policies, oversees chemical and biosafety protocols, conducts risk assessments, ensures proper PPE use, and promotes a safe working environment. This combined role is essential in preventing contamination, minimizing hazards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting high-quality, safe laboratory operations.

Salary Range: $34.41 - 55.34

Bachelor's Degree in a scientific or related field. - Required

Five(5) years of hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. - Required

Ability to initiate work independently and critically review the work of others. - Required

Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with a variety of individuals including scientists, staff, and clients. - Required

Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively in a group setting. - Required

Working knowledge of analytical chemistry as it pertains to urine sample preparation, analysis and data interpretation for GC-MSn, LC-MSn, and immunoassay based techniques. - Required

Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025, WADA requirements, A2LA accreditation criteria, GLP principles, and laboratory QA/QC practices. - Required

Ability to summarize and present scientific data. - Required

Familiarity with screening and confirmatory testing methodologies, method validation principles, and laboratory instrumentation workflows. - Required

Skilled in planning and conducting internal audits, preparing documentation for external audits, and developing corrective action plans. - Required

Ability to apply independent judgment to evaluate laboratory processes for compliance, safety, and efficiency. - Required

Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information. - Required

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Teams). - Required

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to manage projects and coordinate cross-functional initiatives. - Preferred