Senior Laboratory Specialist (P001260) Readvertisement

North West University; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university in Potchefstroom is seeking a Senior Laboratory Specialist to oversee research operations and ensure scientific output. The ideal candidate must have a PhD in Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry and a minimum of 5 years' experience in laboratory management and instrumentation. Responsibilities include supervising staff, developing standard procedures, and leading collaborative research projects. This role contributes to a dynamic research environment, enhancing international collaborations and scientific productivity.

Benefits

Opportunities for international collaboration

Professional development

Access to advanced research facilities

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in laboratory skills and management.
• Experience with gas- and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS and LC-MS).
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in the supervision of post-graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Supervise technical staff in daily operations and maintenance of instruments.
• Drive the optimization of analytical methods and data quality.
• Train students and staff for high-quality, standardized practices.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Advanced knowledge of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)

Advanced knowledge of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to design and deliver training programs

Excellent computer skills with mass spectrometric software

Education

PhD (NQF level 10) in Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry

Tools

Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Job description

Job title : Senior Laboratory Specialist (P001260) Readvertisement

Job Location : North West, Potchefstroom

Deadline : November 30, 2025

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The Senior Laboratory Specialist is responsible for ensuring excellence in research operations and scientific output through comprehensive oversight of technical infrastructure, training initiatives, and research activities.
• This role entails overseeing the maintenance and operation of high-value analytical instrumentation by technical staff and students, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, reducing repair costs, and maximising research productivity.
• Concurrently, the Senior Lab Specialist leads the development and implementation of standardised, high-quality operating procedures and training programs for routine and advanced analytical methodologies.
• The role provides scientific consultation across all research phases, including experimental design, statistical methodology, data analysis, and quality control, to uphold consistency, accuracy, and scientific rigor.
• Additionally, the role involves leading external collaborative research projects, thereby fostering the internationalisation of the research entity and driving increased publication output.
• By integrating technical leadership with scientific expertise, the Senior Lab Specialist plays a pivotal role in maintaining a high-performing, globally connected research environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational activities

• Supervise technical staff in daily operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of high-value analytical instrumentation.
• Develop and enforce preventative maintenance schedules to minimise downtime / repair costs.
• Optimise resource allocation and lab scheduling, prioritising high-impact projects.

Research and Innovation

• Drive development / optimisation of analytical methods and improve data quality control and reproducibility.
• Provide scientific consultation : advise on study design, sample preparation, method selection, data processing / statistical analysis, and quality control.
• Co‑develop and maintain standardised data processing pipelines.
• Lead / foster collaborative research projects (national / international); co‑author publications to increase output and internationalisation.

Teaching and Learning

• Student training and post‑graduate (MSc and PhD) supervision.
• Design high‑quality, standardised training programs for technical staff and students to promote quality control and regulatory practices.
• Identify and facilitate external training opportunities when needed to align with industry standards.

Laboratory Administration

• Effective and efficient inventory management and procurement to align with research priorities.
• Maintain rigorous oversight of laboratory record‑keeping by ensuring regular and compliant logbook entries.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with application specialists and representatives to maximise technical support and drive innovation in laboratory practices.

Quality control

• Adhering to ISO 17025 / Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards where applicable.
• Drive continuous improvement in lab processes and data quality.
• Lead the development, implementation and maintenance of quality management systems, including SOPs for all lab processes, data integrity checks, and regular internal audits.

Ad hoc tasks

• As directed by the Director.

Occupational Health and Safety

• Foster a safety‑focused culture by encouraging proactive risk identification, reporting, and shared accountability within the lab team (GLP, OHS and ethical research practices).

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the following areas :
  • Basic laboratory skills and management;
  • Gas‑ and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‑MS and LC‑MS);
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);
  • Bioenergetics and metabolic flux analysis (Seahorse XF and / or Oroboros O2k);
  • Human and animal metabolomics and bioenergetics; and
  • Data processing and statistical analysis
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the supervision / co‑supervision of post‑graduate students.

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES

• Any academic qualification in Statistics with Biostatistics as an area of specialisation.
• Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
• Membership with professional bodies such as South African Association for Mass Spectrometry (SAAMS), Chromatography Society of South Africa (ChromSA) or Metabolomics South Africa (MSA).

KEY FUNCTIONAL / TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Advanced knowledge of gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control.
• Advanced knowledge of liquid chromatography‑mass spectrometry (LC‑MS) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control.
• Advanced knowledge of bioenergetics and metabolic flux analysis (Seahorse XF / Oroboros) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control.
• Proven ability to derive robust biological insights from metabolomics and bioenergetics data through rigorous preprocessing and application of advanced statistical methods.
• Skilled in sample preparation for diverse metabolomics platforms and bioenergetic analyses spanning cells, animal models, and human specimens.
• Excellent computer skills with proven competency in mass spectrometric (MS), NMR, respirometry and metabolic flux software and data processing.
• Record keeping of equipment booking, usage logs, results and quality documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Language proficient in a multi‑lingual environment.
• Strong publication record in metabolomics and bioenergetics research, underpinned by advanced knowledge in mammalian metabolic biochemistry.
• Experience in post‑graduate supervision.
• Ability to design and deliver effective training programs for staff and students, fostering skill development in lab techniques, safety practices, and adherence to regulatory standards.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team.
• Exceptional attention to detail and consistency in executing complex tasks.
• Ability to function under pressure.
• Natural innovator who strives for ‘best practice’ and technical advancement.
• Ability to build good interpersonal relationships and communicate effectively across diverse teams, fostering trust and facilitating knowledge exchange.

Apply by: 21 November 2025