Laboratory Technician-047-012

PPECB; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A quality certification service provider in Centurion is seeking a laboratory professional to analyze pesticide residues and optimize laboratory processes. The ideal candidate will hold a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. Responsibilities include implementing QMS protocols and ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 standards. This role offers a dynamic working environment in a well-established organization.

Qualifications

• Experience with pesticide residue analysis using the QuEChERS technique.
• Knowledge of good laboratory practices.
• Ability to perform sample extraction processes.

Responsibilities

• Analyze pesticide residues in fresh produce.
• Optimize equipment use in the laboratory.
• Ensure timely service delivery to customers.
• Implement QMS (ISO 17025).
• Report irregularities promptly.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Good technical record-keeping techniques

Ability to work under pressure

Attention to detail

Computer literacy (MS Outlook, Word, Excel)

Education

National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

Chromatographic instrumentation

LIMS

Job description

High-level Objective

• Analyze pesticide residues in fresh produce using the QuEChERS extraction technique.
• Optimize equipment use in the laboratory's preparative section.
• Ensure timely service delivery to customers.
• Practice self-management.
• Minimize financial risks.
• Implement QMS (ISO 17025).
• Manage critical consumables.

Experience Required

• Prepare chemicals, solutions, and standards.
• Perform sample extraction processes.
• Have basic knowledge of chromatographic instrumentation.
• Adhere to good laboratory practices.

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry.

Key Responsibilities

Method Validation

• Make necessary changes to methods when required.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment regularly.
• Participate in proficiency testing schemes.

Quality Control

• Perform internal verification of equipment.
• Control and record lab environment conditions.
• Check the quality and suitability of chemicals.
• Record quality controls.

Technical Processes - Implementation

• Register samples on LIMS.
• Extract raw materials.
• Perform weighing, homogenizing, mixing, and filtering.
• Verify equipment (balances, volumetric flasks, pipettes).
• Conduct Mycotoxin Immuno-Affinity Cleanup.
• Extract methods for free fatty acids, peroxide value, moisture content.
• Analyze pesticides.
• Prepare reference standards and daily solvents.
• Participate in proficiency testing schemes.
• Set up instrumentation and run samples.

Meetings

• Participate in laboratory staff meetings.

Implementation of QMS (ISO 17025)

• Implement standard QMS protocols.
• Apply analytical methods consistently and correctly.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
• Record non-conformances for investigation.

Communication, Advising, and Reporting

• Report irregularities promptly.
• Communicate effectively to improve relationships and decisions.
• Ensure test results meet quality control criteria.

Knowledge Required

• Implement LIMS for traceability (advantageous).
• Understand technical processes of Mycotoxin/Pesticides/Dairy analysis in various matrices.
• General knowledge of chromatographic instruments.

Skills Required

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good technical record-keeping techniques.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer literacy (MS Outlook, Word, Excel).

About Us

The Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) is an independent service provider of quality certification and cold chain management services for South African producers and exporters of perishable food products. Established in 1926, PPECB has over 90 years of experience supporting the export competitiveness of South Africa's perishable product industries.