Scientist: Fire Assay & Reference Material at Mintek

Mintek; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek invites applications for a Scientist in the Analytical Chemistry Division. The successful candidate will conduct basic technical tasks within a single research field, ensuring compliance with document control and management processes for simple projects.

The role emphasizes independent work under limited supervision, data interpretation, and reporting. Experience in metallurgical/inorganic sample analysis and strong teamwork are valued; a BSc(Hons) or 4-year engineering degree is required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years vocational experience following first graduation (BSc Hons/BEng).
• Ability to work in a team and strong communication.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and initiative in a demanding environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and balance priorities.
• Comfort with performing routine and advanced analytical work.

Responsibilities

• Formulates R&D questions within a single field and designs experiments.
• Lead execution of projects as chief investigator within the division.
• Prepare proposals and Open Call proposals under supervision.
• Perform routine and complex scientific research using standard methods.
• Plan and manage projects, coordinating with others and resources.
• Present at local conferences and publish conference/journal papers.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Work under pressure

Education

BSc Hons

Engineering degree (4-year)

MSc or MEng

Job description

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for the Scientist, within the Analytical Chemistry Division. The successful candidate will conduct basic technical tasks without direct supervision within a single field of research. Provide data that is accurate and ensures compliance with document control and document management processes for simple projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadedership

• Formulates R&D questions within a single field of S&T He/she is aware of trends in the relevant field, and is able to formulate ideas relating to technical projects, frame and develop research questions, design experiments, identify problems, and evaluate and implement solutions.
• Play a leading role in execution of work as a chief investigator of a project, within the division/group.

Innovation (subject to career ladder implementation)

• Operational: Establish specifications, improve workflows, and introduce operating procedures - project level.

Financial sustainability

• Prepare proposals under direct/limited supervision, including Open Call proposals.

Execution, People and Planning

• Perform routine scientific and engineering research using standard methods, procedures and equipment. Act as Principal investigators on such projects.
• Perform complex scientific and engineering research under supervision.
• Design, operate and oversee discipline specific experimental work and ensure that procedures are complied with, and quality control and continual improvement are applied.
• Collect and interpret data at a quantitative and qualitative level using discipline specific standard methodologies and procedures. Including the preparation of analytical and descriptive narratives. Ensure that the interpretation is based on sound scientific/ engineering theory.
• Plan and manage projects to ensure efficient use of time, equipment and facilities, including coordinating with others.

Governance and Risk Management

• Ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies, promote continual improvement in the workplace, adhere to and enforce all SHEQ requirements.
• Ensure that the project team understands and adheres to all SHEQ requirements.
• As Principal Investigator responsible for the assessment and management of all risks at a project level.
• May be responsible for equipment / facilities.

Relationship Management and Reporting

• Present at local conferences and publish conference papers, journal papers.

Interactions

• Staff in own division, across other divisions to head level; suppliers and vendors (engineers), clients/collaborators at technical level.

Mintek is committed to protecting the personal information of all applicants in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

Should you not hear from us within one (1) month of the closing date, consider your application to be unsuccessful.

Mintek is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, whose aim is to promote representivity in all levels of occupational categories

Desired Experience & Qualification

Experience

• 2- years vocational experience following first graduation (BSc Hon/BEng).

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Be able to work in a team
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Attention to detail, ability to follow up and take initiative
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to cope in a stressful and demanding environment
• Be able to work under pressure.

Qualifications

• Minimum: B. Sc. Hons or 4-year Engineering degree.
• Ideal: MSc, MEng (NB: other lower degrees, must attain the minimum requirement to stay in this position)

Behavioural Competencies

• Project management.
• Competent in the chemical analysis of metallurgical samples or inorganic samples.
• Should have good verbal communication.
• Must have good work ethics to maintain credibility of work.