Chief Scientist: XRF Laboratory at Council for Geoscience (CGS)

Overall Job Purpose:

To execute strategy, as well as perform routine analysis of samples in the XRF Laboratory and undertake advanced  innovative geoscience; integrated and multidisciplinary geoscientific research, which includes projects management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiates and lead research projects (National and International) and promote research collaboration with other institutions.
• Conducts individual and/or cooperative multidisciplinary geochemistry (using XRF) research (including proposal writing, budgeting, planning, field and laboratory measurement, processing, interpretation, integration, and reporting).
• Supervise all staff and visitors working in XRF Laboratory on procedures, instrument operation, and research methods.
• Recruits relevant staff with optimal knowledge and skills to deliver on the deliverables of the XRF Laboratory.
• Provides guidance and mentoring to junior staff in XRF laboratory.
• Ensures adherence to an effective laboratory quality management system that is compliant with applicable ISO standards.
• Develops laboratory standard operating procedures and work instructions.
• Performs Root Cause Analysis on all non-conformances.
• Attends to client queries and investigates matters arising from customer complaints.
• Implements corrective and preventative measures to all audit observations and findings.
• Ensures that occupational hazards are identified and that risks are assessed and eliminated, mitigated, or managed as required by occupational health and safety legislation.
• Evaluates and reports analysis data as scientific information in customer and/or research reports, including scientific interpretation and application of data.
• Edit reports of scientists for publication, including own.
• Publish research work in recognised scientific journals.
• Presents technical and research results at conferences locally and internationally.
• Prepares monthly and quarterly reporting on project progress.
• Ensures that all deliverables for research projects are submitted and archived on time.
• Ensures that all research projects are delivered within the budgeted amount.
• Provides advanced scientific advice to the public and private sector organisations.
• Advise, supervise, and give guidance to management and stakeholders on the execution of projects.

BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to undertake research within a dynamic and diverse team environment and capable of building interpersonal relations with clear communication.
• Able to resolve complex analytical and logistical problems.
• Able to undertake a leadership role with clear communication, management of resources, conflict management, and the capability of building professional relationships.
• Professional and scientific writing and communication skills.
• General understanding of treasury guidelines and procurement procedures.
• Have an affinity towards creative and innovative thinking with a significant dedication toward quality management and control.
• Affinity toward maintaining the highest level of safety and health management.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Grade 12; and
• BSc (Hons) in Geology/Geochemistry/Chemistry with a minimum of 15 years’ experience working in a relevant geoscientific laboratory.
• Master’s Degree in Geology/Geochemistry/Chemistry with a minimum of 10 years’ experience working in a relevant geoscientific laboratory.
• PhD with experience in Geology/Geochemistry/ Chemistry with a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a relevant geoscientific laboratory.
• SACNASP registration.
• NRF rating will be an added advantage.
• Must possess a valid drivers’ licence.
• Computer literacy and familiar with using laboratory instrumentation operating sophisticated and dedicated software.