Laboratory Technician

ALS; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laboratory testing firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Laboratory Technician to operate and maintain analytical instruments. The role involves working in a 24/7 environment, performing routine analyses, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates must hold a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry and possess strong analytical skills. This position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Fluent English (written and spoken) required.
• Strong numerical and analytical capability essential.
• Knowledge of ALS policies and instrumentation procedures necessary.

Responsibilities

• Maintain good housekeeping and sample handling.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments.
• Conduct data approvals at Technician level.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Strong ability to prioritize tasks

Team-oriented approach

Analytical capability

Education

National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or equivalent

Tools

GEMS

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Department: Instrumentation

Reports to: Instrumentation Technician / Team Leader

Company: ALS Chemex South Africa

About The Role

ALS is a global leader in laboratory testing and analytical services. We are seeking a dedicated Technician - T1 to join our Johannesburg laboratory. This role operates within a 24/7 environment, and the successful candidate must be willing to work shifts and flexi-hours as required. This position plays a key role in delivering high-quality analytical results through the effective operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance

• Adhere to ALS Health and Safety Foundation Standards.
• Uphold ALS core values and follow all company policies and procedures.
• Comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Technical Responsibilities

• Maintain good housekeeping and ensure proper handling of samples, consumables, and equipment.
• Develop a solid understanding of instrumental analytical techniques (ICP, AAS, MS, XRF, Leco).
• Perform routine and non-routine analyses on assigned instruments.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments and auto-samplers.
• Use GEMS for instrument batching and workflow management.
• Prepare calibration standards, dilutions, instrument solutions, and QC solutions.
• Ensure accurate tracking and scanning of prepared samples.
• Identify and resolve instrument QC issues to maintain data integrity.
• Consistently meet production targets per 11-hour shift:
  • PGMs (ICP): 600 samples
  • Base Metals (ICP): 650 samples
  • Base Metals (AAS): 700 samples
  • Base Metals (ICPMS): 350 samples
  • Leco (C & S): 250 samples
• Conduct data approvals at Technician level (Tech Approval).
• Retrieve and dump racks with proper traceability procedures.
• Provide assistance to other laboratory areas as required.

Required Competencies

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong ability to prioritize and provide timely feedback.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Proactive, responsive, and able to anticipate operational needs.
• Team-oriented approach and commitment to excellence.
• Effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

Technical Competencies

• Ability to identify and report HSE risks.
• High level of integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of ALS policies, protocols, and instrumentation procedures.
• Proficient in GEMS.
• Understanding of analytical chemistry principles and geochemical digestion methods.
• Strong numerical and analytical capability.
• Skilled in operating AA and/or ICP instrumentation.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

This job description outlines the core duties of the role but is not exhaustive. Responsibilities may evolve based on operational requirements. The description will be reviewed periodically, including during performance evaluations.