Lab Technician

ALS; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS in Johannesburg seeks an Analytical Chemistry technician to support routine and non-routine analyses using ICP, AAS, MS, XRF and Leco instruments.

You will prepare calibration standards, maintain instrument performance, ensure data integrity, and adhere to safety and quality procedures to deliver reliable results.

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry is required.
• Fluent English, written and spoken, is required.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and good data handling is expected.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain analytical instruments (ICP, AAS, MS, XRF, Leco) per SOPs.
• Prepare calibration standards and sample dilutions for analyses.
• Ensure accurate sample tracking and data recording; troubleshoot instrument QC issues.
• Perform routine and non-routine analyses and basic instrument maintenance.

Skills

Instrument operation

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Team player

English proficiency

Education

National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

ICP

AAS

MS

XRF

Leco

GEMS

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

Responsibilities of the Job:

Compliance:

• Practice the ALS Health and Safety Foundation Standards
• Practice the ALS company core values
• Abide by the ALS company policies and procedures
• Follow all ALS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) at all times

T1 Duties:

• Responsible for appropriate housekeeping and proper handling of samples and related consumables and equipment.
• Familiarize and understand the basic principles of instrumental techniques in due / reasonable time i.e. ICP, AAS, MS, XRF, and Leco
• Must be able to run routine and non-routine analysis on the instruments on which the employee is trained
• Operate and perform first line, preventative and breakdown maintenance, basic trouble shooting on instruments and auto-sampler
• Completely familiarize with GEMS functionality for batching of instrument runs.
• Must be able to prepare and test calibration standards for instrumentation using solution techniques
• Prepare sample dilutions, instrument solutions plus QC solutions, i.e. rinses/IEC/QC.
• Ensure appropriate sample tracking of prepared and available samples in the section. Able to scan runs to correct locations.
• Timeously identify and correct instrument QC related problems, ensuring quality data throughput from the instruments against set production targets.
• Maintain consistent production targets on all instrumentation. (per shift – 11 hours)
• Ø PGMs = 600 samples/ ICP
• Ø Base Metals = 650 samples/ ICP
• Ø Base Metals = 700 Samples/ AAS
• Ø Base Metals = 350 Samples/ ICPMS
• Ø Leco (C & S) = 250 Samples
• Must be fully conversant with data approval at Technician data approval stage (Tech Approval)
• Retrieve and dump racks properly with appropriate tracking and traceability of instrument / digestion runs
• Exercise flexibility with assisting in other lab departments with appropriate training provided

Competencies required for the role are as follows:

Behavioural Competencies

• Able to prioritize and give accurate feedback on time
• High standards of attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines
• Able to anticipate needs and must be responsive to enquiries
• Facilitates a team-oriented approach at organizational level
• Inspires and drives excellence in all aspects of work
• Team player approach

Technical Competencies

• Ability to identify HSE risk and report to manager / team leader
• High level of integrity
• Ability to multi task and meet challenging deadlines.
• Good understanding of ALS policies, protocols, Instrumentation work procedures.
• Good understanding of GEMS system and able to operate GEMS.
• Good understanding of the principles of instrumentation in analytical chemistry
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills
• Ability to operate instrumentation for analysis on either AA or ICP
• Good MS Word and Excel skills
• Have in depth knowledge of classical wet chemistry or geochemical digestion methods

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or equivalent
• Fluent English (written and spoken)

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence.

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.