AssureCloud Pesticides Analyst, Cape Town

SafetySA; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

SafetySA in South Africa seeks a Pesticide Residues Analyst to perform accurate pesticide residue analysis on food, agricultural and environmental samples using GC-MS and GC-MS/MS. The role supports method development, validation, routine testing and quality assurance to maintain ISO/IEC 17025 compliance and deliver timely, technically sound results.

Responsibilities include sample preparation (QuEChERS), calibration, data review, and rigorous documentation in LIMS, with a focus on accuracy,

Qualifications

• Perform pesticide residue testing on food, agricultural, environmental samples.
• Maintain documentation and traceability of all analytical work.
• Review results to ensure accuracy and quality compliance.

Responsibilities

• Operate GC-MS and GC-MS/MS instruments for pesticide residue analysis.
• Prepare calibration standards and internal standards per procedures.
• Manage sample preparation, extraction and cleanup using approved methods.
• Ensure data integrity and timely reporting in LIMS.
• Support method development, validation and quality assurance activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Quality assurance

Documentation

Tools

GC-MS

GC-MS/MS

QuEChERS

LIMS

Job description

Purpose

The primary responsibility of this role is to perform accurate and reliable pesticide residue analysis on food, agricultural products, environmental samples, and other relevant matrices using advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC-MS and GC-MS/MS. The Pesticides Analyst is responsible for supporting method development, validation, routine testing, quality assurance activities, and maintaining compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements while ensuring the delivery of technically sound and timely analytical results.

Closing Date

9 November 2026

Responsibilities

Laboratory Analysis

• Perform pesticide residue testing on food, agricultural, environmental, and related sample matrices.
• Conduct sample preparation, extraction, and clean-up procedures using approved analytical methods, including QuEChERS techniques.
• Prepare calibration standards, reference materials, reagents, and internal standards in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Ensure traceability and accurate documentation of all analytical preparations and activities.
• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing according to validated methods and work instructions.
• Review analytical results to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with quality requirements.
• Ensure all assigned testing is completed within agreed turnaround times.

Instrument Operation and Maintenance

• Operate and maintain GC-MS and GC-MS/MS instrumentation for pesticide residue analysis.
• Perform instrument setup, calibration, tuning, performance verification, and routine maintenance activities.
• Monitor instrument performance and identify deviations from established operating parameters.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and analytical issues and elevate technical concerns where necessary.
• Maintain instrument logbooks and maintenance records.
• Assist with the qualification and verification of new laboratory equipment where required.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Process chromatographic data using approved software systems.
• Review chromatograms, retention times, ion ratios, peak identification, and quantification results.
• Verify analytical calculations and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate and complete technical records in laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Generate test reports and analytical summaries in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Ensure all reported data meets technical and quality requirements before release.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and the laboratory quality management system.
• Evaluate quality control results, including blanks, recoveries, duplicates, reference materials, and calibration verification standards.
• Monitor testing performance against established acceptance criteria.
• Identify and report non-conforming work in accordance with quality procedures.
• Participate in internal audits, proficiency testing schemes, and accreditation assessments.
• Support corrective action investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure laboratory activities comply with regulatory, legal, and client requirements.

Method Development and Validation

• Assist with the development, optimisation, verification, and validation of analytical methods.
• Conduct validation studies including selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, limits of quantification, and measurement uncertainty.
• Support implementation of new analytical methods and technologies.
• Maintain validation records and technical documentation.
• Assist in expanding laboratory testing capabilities and scope of accreditation.

Laboratory Safety and Housekeeping

• Maintain compliance with laboratory health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Adhere to approved procedures for chemical handling, storage, and disposal.
• Ensure contamination control measures are implemented and maintained.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of laboratory work areas.
• Report safety hazards, incidents, and near misses in accordance with company procedures.
• Participate in laboratory safety initiatives and training activities

Reporting and Communication

• Communicate analytical progress, delays, technical concerns, and testing challenges to laboratory management.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and technical discussions.
• Provide technical input to investigations, client queries, and improvement projects.
• Maintain effective communication with laboratory personnel and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support management reporting through the provision of testing and performance data