Technical Officer: Analytical Chemist at Stellenbosch University

Duties/Pligte        

• Developing and validating analytical methods in support of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as research projects in the Department of Chemical Engineering;
• Standard and sample preparation using appropriate techniques;
• Operating and maintaining analytical equipment and instrumentation;
• Performing routine maintenance on instruments;
• Providing guidance to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the planning of their analytical work and the preparation of their samples before analysis;
• Maintaining a clean and safe laboratory work environment;
• Effectively managing chemical and consumable inventory for areas of responsibility, obtaining quotations and ordering laboratory consumables;
• Writing specifications and preparing tender documentation when new instrumentation is purchased.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes        

• At least an Honour's degree in Analytical Chemistry from a reputable university; 
• At least five years' hands-on experience in the analysis of complex samples via ICP-OES and AAS. This includes method development, validation and analysis;
• The ability to troubleshoot and perform basic maintenance on equipment, specifically the ICP-OES;
• Experience on GC-FID/-TCD/-MS and TGA instruments;
• Experience in sample preparation, quantitation and clean-up of complex sample matrices;
• The ability to efficiently organise work with minimum supervision and properly evaluate and interpret data;
• Accuracy and precision in analytical work and related reporting of results;
• Excellent ability to work independently, as well as within a team;
• Excellent communication skills.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling        

• Experience in HPLC, UV-VIS, rheometry, dynamic light scattering and laser diffraction particle size analysis;
• Knowledge and experience of the application of analytical methods in mineral processing and bioprocess engineering environments;
• Experience in instrument operating and data analysis software;
• Strong technical skills and the ability to work accurately and efficiently;
• Experience in managing laboratory services within an academic environment.