Chief Scientist, Genomics Laboratories

**Company Description**
We are SGS - the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
- Project planning and personnel management within different projects.
- Identify, research and engage new project and product development opportunities.
- Prepare and present comprehensive technology assessment reports - competitive intelligence research and analysis.
- Develop new methods to identify and quantify GMO events for continually evolving new product lines.
- Wheat varietal identification and purity testing using latest molecular biology techniques.
- Barley varietal purity testing using SNP marker technology.
- Improve existing laboratory analytical procedures and implement process improvements.
- Design, implementation, and reporting of experiments related to method validations
- Handle new job assignments in an effective manner to achieve results in a rapidly changing work environment
- Keep a breath of knowledge on current technology and new product lines
- Recommendation of instruments and implementation for service as necessary
- Ensure laboratory equipment are maintained and calibrated according to established procedures and standards
- Ensure lab supplies are in stock
- Writing and reviewing SOPs, work instructions, methods and other applicable quality documentation pertinent to the area of work
- Ensure established procedures are followed for change controls in procedural documents, equipment and computer systems pertinent to the area of work before implementation, and any accreditation or regulatory compliance impact is evaluated.
- Coordinate activities in the laboratory to provide accurate and timely results
- Participate in maintaining accreditations
- Support the company quality and safety policies
- Adhere to the Company’s Quality Policy and Procedures
- Plan and initiate procedures and systems necessary to ensure the maintenance and improvement of the company quality program
- Perform testing according to appropriate procedures as assigned
- Monitor and maintain lab QC standards. Responsible for the quality of all data released by the department
- Accountable for ensuring that the quality of data, current methodologies and execution of the methods are in compliance with the current accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 / 9001, Non-GMO Project, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and other applicable international standards and regulations
- Participate in proficiency testing programs
- Ensure non-conformities and customer complaints are investigated for root cause and approve corrective action plan. Verify satisfactory implementation of corrective actions in coordination with QA and submit to QA Manager for approval
- Interview, hire and training of lab staff for GMO testing, varietal identification & purity testing, SNP genotyping
- Ensuring each person within their responsibility are trained prior to execution of their work
- Responsible for designing, co-ordinating and executing training programs that are consistent with management objectives, including quality system awareness and continuous technical improvement
- Counsel and guide lab personnel in adherence to company policies and procedures
- Devise and implement performance and development plans for all personnel; review objectives and complete annual performance appraisals for each employee.
- Responsible for timesheet approvals and consumables management & timely approval of supplies.
- Plan and organize trade shows.
- Write and present annual reports for management review
- Meet customer requirements on Quality and TAT
- Assist in developing the Genomics Lab ‘Strategic Growth Plan’.

**Qualifications**
- Ph D in Biotechnology or Plant Sciences with specialization in genetics and/or molecular biology
- Over 7 years industry experience specifically in a commercial genomics testing lab
- Of those three years of experience in operations / management role having direct reports and operational responsibilities

Required:

- Ability to set up research programs to implement existing and newly added GMO events in grains and food
- Knowledge and experience of the latest molecular techniques used for varietal identification and purity testing.
- High throughput genotyping.
- Knowledge of the Canadian Agricultural sector (Grain, Meat, Fishery, etc.).
- Project planning and writing business plans
- Experience in making presentations in conferences
- Must be proficient in using various types of computer software (Word, Excel. PowerPoint & Outlook).
- Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.
- Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills including grammar and composition.
- Ability to work well with others & independently. Ability