Analytics Maintenance Practitioner at Sasol

Purpose of Job

• The Analytical Practitioner will be responsible for the analytical equipment within an area of responsibility in R&T.
• This role will include first - and where possible, second- line maintenance, calibration and regular quality checks, basic troubleshooting and the setup and start-up of analytical equipment. 
• The role includes regular monitoring of online and standalone advanced analytical equipment to enable the generation of quality, reliable and accurate data.  
• This will require regular liaising with stakeholders on equipment readiness and parameter adjustments required for analysis.  The Analytical Practitioner will also be required to manage the scheduled and non-scheduled support from analytical service providers during onsite services equipment, repairs, etc.
• This also extends to the safe-making and coordination of actions for offsite repair and refurbishment of analytical equipment.  Therefore, the role requires  knowledge of Sasol’s governance processes, specifically regarding Supply Chain and safety regulations.       

Recruitment Description / Key Accountabilities

• Have in-depth knowledge on the operations of the analytical and associated auxiliary equipment in the area of responsibility. 
• Have a good knowledge of the function and purpose of the analytical equipment in the area of responsibility. 
• Develop suitable technical proposals and/or configurations of analytical equipment based on practical and theoretical knowledge in the area of responsibility. 
• Responsible for in-depth knowledge of equipment and maintain/optimise equipment as per business requirements. 
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of analytical equipment to conduct troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and optimisation as per business requirements. This may include recommending maintenance schedules for the equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability. 
• Monitor and ensure that the data/information provided from the analytical equipment meets the project requirements. 
• Ensure auxiliary and supporting equipment (chillers, heating baths, vacuum pumps, etc.) are also well maintained, serviced and reliable. 
• Ensure computers supporting analytical equipment is in good working order. Liaise with IM to ensure ongoing reliability of software and hardware 
• Recommend and develop innovative solutions for the analytical equipment in the R&T environment. 
• Ensure analytical equipment is correctly calibrated and meets the clients / project needs. 
• Take responsibility for both 1st line maintenance and 2nd line maintenance issues at the relevant analytical equipment 
• Troubleshoot and address problems with analytical equipment. 
• Continue to maintain reliability and productivity of equipment 
• Responsible for the management and upkeep of specific laboratory instruments and the coordination of operational needs such as consumables, spares, etc. 
• Liaise with OME’s and suppliers of equipment (on breakdown and maintenance matters, servicing requirements and provide input into the purchase of new equipment) 
• Oversee the quality of service provided by the equipment service technicians. 
• Keep and maintain a logbook of the equipment history. 
• Recommend preventative maintenance strategies to preserve analytical equipment not in use.
• Take responsibility for personal performance, improvement and skills development. 
• Be proactive, work independently and be able to multi-task. 
• Share knowledge and skills with team members. 
• Perform first line of data quality management in the lab by suggesting the appropriate corrective action where necessary.
• Actively participate in safety responsibilities including safety auditing.
• Perform after-hours standby duties as well as weekends overtime where applicable. 
• Have a broad understanding of operating different analytical equipment used in the lab. 
• Communicate issues and status of equipment clearly via accurate logbooks and timely feedback to clients and colleagues.

Formal Education

• National Senior Certificate (Matric) or N3 with English, Maths & Science as subjects

Min Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience, preferably in the area of advanced materials characterisation and spectroscopic equipment.
• Knowledge in operating systems that support lab computers linked to analysers will be an added advantage