Senior Analytical Chemist

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Career growth opportunities

Specialized training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Analytical Chemist to lead an environmental testing team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will develop, validate, and apply advanced methods for water, soil, and air samples using GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC, and spectroscopy.

You will oversee data integrity, ensure regulatory compliance (ISO 17025/EPA methods), mentor staff, and interpret results for clients and regulators in a fast‑paced, quality‑driven lab.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory with emphasis on environmental analysis.
• Proven expertise operating and maintaining GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS.
• Strong method development and validation knowledge.
• Familiarity with EPA methods and ISO 17025.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with experience in technical report writing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Experience with data management systems and LIMS is desirable.
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, and scientific integrity.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement advanced analytical methods for environmental samples.
• Operate and maintain GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC, and spectrophotometers.
• Oversee sample preparation, analysis, and data reporting per protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot analytical issues and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure ISO 17025 and EPA method compliance.
• Train and mentor junior analytical chemists and laboratory technicians.
• Interpret data and prepare comprehensive technical reports for clients and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to laboratory accreditation processes and audits.
• Stay abreast of new analytical technologies and methodologies.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Problem solving

Project management

Scientific writing

Communication

Education

MSc or PhD

Analytical Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry

Research Methods

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

ICP-MS

HPLC

Spectrophotometry

LIMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental testing and analysis laboratory, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Analytical Chemist to lead their team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA. This role is responsible for the development, validation, and application of sophisticated analytical methods for a wide range of environmental samples, including water, soil, and air. You will oversee laboratory operations, ensure data integrity, and provide expert interpretation of results. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of various analytical techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, and spectroscopy, along with a thorough understanding of regulatory compliance and quality assurance standards. This is a crucial role for maintaining environmental quality and public health. You will be instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of analytical data generated.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement advanced analytical methods for environmental sample analysis.
• Operate and maintain state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, including GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, HPLC, and spectrophotometers.
• Oversee sample preparation, analysis, and data reporting according to established protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot analytical issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant national and international quality standards (e.g., ISO 17025).
• Train and mentor junior analytical chemists and laboratory technicians.
• Interpret analytical data and prepare comprehensive technical reports for clients and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to laboratory accreditation processes and audits.
• Stay abreast of new analytical technologies and methodologies.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory, with a significant focus on environmental analysis.
• Proven expertise in operating and maintaining advanced analytical instrumentation (GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS).
• Strong understanding of method development and validation principles.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and quality assurance standards (e.g., EPA methods, ISO 17025).
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in technical report writing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Experience with data management systems and LIMS is desirable.
• A commitment to accuracy, quality, and scientific integrity.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical coverage, a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional growth and specialized training. You will work with advanced analytical technology in a well‑equipped laboratory. Join a dedicated team focused on environmental protection and scientific excellence. The Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA location provides a unique working environment. Contribute to critical environmental monitoring and analysis efforts.