Research Scientist

Anglo American; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading platinum producer in Johannesburg seeks a professional to provide advanced technical support to their laboratory operations. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years post-qualification laboratory experience and a strong background in project management. This role involves optimizing analytical methods and developing technical capabilities across the team. Join us to make an impact in a high-performance environment dedicated to sustainability and operational excellence.

Benefits

Market-aligned reward and recognition

Opportunities for learning and development

Commitment to safe operations

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years post-qualification laboratory experience, or 5 years post MSc/PhD.
• At least 2 years’ experience at assistant management level.
• Competence in managing work packages across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced technical support to Valterra Platinum sites.
• Optimize and continuously improve laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with laboratory managers to develop skills within the department.

Skills

Proficiency in ICP, ICP-MS, X-Ray, AA, LECO, UV-VIS, SG instruments

Project management experience

Leadership and collaboration skills

Ability to optimize systems and apply business improvement techniques

Education

BSc (Hons) in Chemistry or related Discipline

PhD (desirable)

Job description

Overview

Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals (PGMs), with integrated mining, smelting, and refining operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, marketing the metal we produce globally. Following our demerger from Anglo American plc, Valterra Platinum is now an independent, publicly listed company with a primary and secondary listing on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges respectively.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, Valterra Platinum is positioned to define and pursue its own strategy, anchored in operational excellence, sustainability, and value creation for the long-term. We are focused on strengthening our capabilities across the entire PGM value chain, from mine to market. Our independence empowers us to deepen our commitment to stakeholders and lead with purpose – to Unearth Value to Better Our World. We remain steadfast in our ambition to be the world’s foremost producer of platinum group metals, while embedding safety and sustainability in everything we do.

If you\'re driven by purpose and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join us. Apply today and be part of something bigger.

This role is based in 144 Oxford Road, Melrose.

The role will require regular travel and work at the Valterra site laboratories located in Polokwane, Rustenburg and Zimbabwe.

Job Description

Provide advanced technical support to Valterra Platinum sites by delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions aimed at improving analytical quality, turnaround times, and cost efficiency.

Safety

• Create a safety culture through productive and authorized operational systems/processes that allow all employees (including contracting partners) to provide their outputs in a risk-controlled environment. Oversee consistent application of Safety & Health principles in all discipline interactions and take personal responsibility for safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities.

Performance and Delivery

• Provide expert technical support to Valterra Platinum laboratories to optimize and continuously improve laboratory operations.
• Deliver specialist analytical support to sites and advise on emerging technologies in Analytical Chemistry.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Execute technical projects and ensure continuous improvement through optimization of analytical methods.
• Collaborate with laboratory managers to develop technical capabilities and personnel skills within the department.
• Contribute to the design and content of training modules.
• Monitor project progress, resource allocation, and alignment with operational priorities.
• Liaise with internal clients to ensure projects address operational needs and opportunities.
• Prepare and motivate cost-benefit analyses for research initiatives and secure necessary funding.

Execute

• Assist with commissioning and optimization of analytical instruments.
• Provide technical guidance on analytical methods and equipment selection.
• Research and develop alternative analytical methods to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure analytical techniques across the group are cost-effective and aligned with industry standards.
• Identify and initiate projects that support operational improvements.
• Compile accurate technical reports and prepare ad-hoc reports for management and stakeholders.
• Establish procedures for non-standard work requirements and ensure data integrity and security.

People & Teams

• Implement a purpose-driven, high-performing culture that is aligned with the company values, is inclusive and promotes diversity, supports engagement and fosters continuous improvement to work processes.
• Support operational performance of multidisciplinary teams and maintain strong collaboration with site teams for project execution.
• Build strategic relationships with research institutions to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Develop trust-based partnerships with internal and external service providers and clients.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory, legislative and permitting requirements.
• Support GEMA audits and drive standardization across laboratories

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) in Chemistry or related Discipline
• PhD desirable

Experience

• Minimum 7 years post-qualification laboratory experience, or 5 years post MSc/PhD in an analytical laboratory or R&D environment, with at least 3 years in the PGM/BM industry.
• At least 2 years’ experience at assistant management level.
• Proven project management experience.
• Proficiency in ICP, ICP-MS, X-Ray, AA, LECO, UV-VIS, and SG instruments and their applications.
• Expertise in 4E lead collection gravimetric and Nickel Sulphide fire assay methods.
• Strong background in technology research, development, and implementation.
• Ability to optimize systems, evaluate standards, and apply business improvement techniques for sustainability.
• Skilled in interpreting benchmarks, identifying performance gaps, and developing targeted improvement plans.
• Competence in managing work packages across multiple projects.
• Demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills.

Additional Information

What We Offer

At Valterra Platinum, you will join a team committed to excellence and impact.

We offer:

• Meaningful work in a high-performance, values-led environment.
• Market-aligned reward and recognition.
• Opportunities for learning, development and progression.
• A culture that respects diversity and encourages innovation.
• A clear commitment to safe Operations.

Inclusion and Diversity

Valterra Platinum is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfill their potential. Valterra Platinum has a zero tolerance to dignity harms, these include all acts of gender based violence, bullying, harassment and victimisation. Ensuring the safety of our employees extends beyond physical safety and includes the eradication of harmful behaviours from our workplace. This responsibility extends to everyone at Valterra Platinum both during work hours and outside of work. We are unconditional in creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe working environment to ensure that no colleague will be violated or harassed under our watch.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form via this job advert.

Closing Date

26 January 2026

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