Lead Analytical Chemist - Trace Analysis

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development support

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a Lead Analytical Chemist to develop and implement methods for trace analysis in complex matrices. You will lead a team of analytical scientists and oversee method development, validation, and routine analysis using state-of-the-art instrumentation.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. or Master’s in Analytical Chemistry with 7+ years of hands-on experience in GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS, plus strong QA/QC expertise and excellent leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in analytical chemistry, with a specialization in trace analysis.
• Extensive experience with GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS.
• Demonstrated ability in method development and validation for complex sample matrices.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team of analytical scientists.
• Strong understanding of QA/QC principles.
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for client interactions and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, validation, and optimization of analytical methods for trace analysis.
• Oversee operation and maintenance of advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, and HPLC.
• Train and mentor junior analytical chemists and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and QA/QC standards.
• Interpret complex analytical data and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Troubleshoot analytical challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders to define analytical needs and project scopes.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in analytical chemistry techniques and instrumentation.

Skills

Team leadership

Analytical chemistry

Mass spectrometry

GC-MS

LC-MS/MS

QA/QC

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS/MS

ICP-MS

HPLC

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leader in specialized chemical analysis and environmental monitoring, is seeking an experienced Lead Analytical Chemist to join their team in Bloemfontein. This role is pivotal in developing and implementing advanced methods for trace analysis in complex matrices. You will lead a team of analytical chemists, overseeing method development, validation, and routine analysis using state-of-the-art instrumentation. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of separation science, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy, with a proven track record in identifying and quantifying trace-level contaminants. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of analytical data for critical applications. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to significant scientific projects and mentor a high-performing team within the Bloemfontein research landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, validation, and optimization of analytical methods for trace analysis.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, and HPLC.
• Train and mentor junior analytical chemists and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with relevant quality standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 17025).
• Interpret complex analytical data and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Troubleshoot analytical challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders to define analytical needs and project scopes.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in analytical chemistry techniques and instrumentation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in analytical chemistry, with a specialization in trace analysis.
• Extensive experience with various analytical techniques, particularly GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS.
• Demonstrated ability in method development and validation for complex sample matrices.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team of analytical scientists.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) principles.
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for client interactions and team leadership.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment in Bloemfontein is required.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by a comprehensive benefits program including health insurance, life cover, and a retirement savings plan. We provide ample opportunities for professional development, including support for attending industry conferences, workshops, and continuous training. The company culture promotes scientific excellence and collaboration, with access to advanced analytical instrumentation and facilities in Bloemfontein. This role presents an excellent pathway for career advancement in the field of analytical chemistry.