Scientist

Nampak; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging solutions company in South Africa is seeking a laboratory analyst to provide specialized scientific services. Key responsibilities involve conducting tests, analyzing results, and providing training to staff. Candidates should have relevant degrees in Chemistry, Microbiology, or Food Technology, alongside a minimum of 2 years' experience in the relevant fields. Experience in the food and FMCG industries is advantageous. This role offers opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in relevant field.
• Experience in the food, chemical & FMCG industries is advantageous.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific services to R&D.
• Conduct tests and analyze results.
• Train new staff and develop external training courses.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Postgraduate or 4-year degree in Chemistry, Microbiology or Food Technology

Tools

JD Edwards applications

Job description

Job Purpose

To provide specialised scientific services to Nampak Research & Development, Nampak Group, and its customers.

Operations

• Participate in planning, scheduling, and conducting of projects in the laboratory.
• Interacting with R&D laboratories and Divisions and reporting on work submitted to the Technical Unit.
• Conduct the workflow and assist with the day-to-day running of the laboratory.
• Analyse, Investigate, and report final results to the R&D laboratories, Nampak Divisions and customers.
• Prepare of samples and conduct tests for a wide variety of procedures.
• Conduct problem solving of material, packaging, processing and finished products for food, beverage, and consumers, using various analytical and scientific techniques.
• Conduct Spoilage / failure investigation and make recommendations for resolution or mitigation of the problem.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure acceptable levels of service, turn-around-times and quality of work are achieved.
• Assist with the development, modification, validation, and troubleshooting of the standard operating procedures and methods within the laboratory.

Customer and Manufacturing Service

• Consult with Nampak operations, customers, regulatory & industry bodies within the various expertise relating to finished products, materials & manufacturing processes to improve the quality of products and customer satisfaction levels.
• Conduct, monitor and report the results of field trials carried out at Nampak manufacturing sites and at customers’ operations.

Training

• Assist with providing training and facilitate the knowledge and skills transfer to new or less experienced staff members within Research & Development and Nampak divisions.
• Assist with developing and presenting external training courses, e.g. (Getting the Best Out of Cans) to Nampak Divisions and customers.
• Assist with facilitating cross-pollination and collaboration between laboratories and cross-functional teams within Nampak to share learning and improve quality of work and skill level of employees.

Requirements

• Postgraduate or 4-year degree in either Chemistry, Microbiology or Food Technology relevant to the laboratory requirements and processes.
• 2 years minimum work experience in Chemistry or Microbiology or Food Technology relevant to the laboratory requirements and processes.
• Factory experience in the food, chemical & FMCG industries will be an advantage.
• Chemical/Food Technology or Microbiology knowledge, relevant to the laboratory processes and requirements.
• Knowledge of the JD Edwards applications and platform.
• Understanding of the laboratory procedures, experimental design and data analysis.