AssureCloud Chemistry Lab Manager , Midrand at SafetySA

Purpose:

• To plan and execute chemical testing of samples in accordance with SANAS 17025 standards, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant results that support food safety and quality assurance.
• AssureCloud is establishing a residue and contaminant testing laboratory in Cape Town to deliver EU export-compliant analytical capability across food, feed, water, and related matrices. We are recruiting the senior technical hire who will help build it.
• This is not a maintenance role. The successful candidate will commission and operate newly installed triple-quadrupole LC and GC systems and an ICP-MS, develop and validate methods from the ground up, and shape the analytical workflows that the laboratory will run on. It suits an experienced, independent scientist who wants to build capability rather than inherit it.

Responsibilities:

Instrument operation and support

• Operate advanced instrumentation independently
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, optimise, and maintain instruments
• Support setup, commissioning, and implementation of new systems
• Monitor instrument performance and analytical quality indicators

Method development and validation

• Lead method transfer, optimisation, and development
• Design and execute verification and validation studies
• Produce validation documentation aligned to ISO/IEC 17025 and Eurachem principles
• Support flexible-scope implementation where applicable

Laboratory and quality

• Maintain compliance with the laboratory quality management system
• Ensure accurate, traceable scientific records
• Review analytical data and investigate technical anomalies
• Contribute to continuous improvement
• Support internal and external (SANAS) audits

Technical leadership

• Guide and mentor junior staff as the team grows
• Contribute to technical decision-making and scope expansion
• Drive technical work with minimal supervision

Technical focal points:

• LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS analysis
• Pesticide and herbicide residues
• Veterinary drug and antibiotic residues
• Mycotoxins and other contaminants
• Heavy metals
• Food safety and export-related testing

Requirements

Qualifications:

• National Diploma or Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Forensic Chemistry, or a related field.
• A BSc Honours or MSc is ideal; a BTech or BSc backed by strong, directly relevant experience (advantageous). 

Experience:

• 3 years hands-on experience in a regulated analytical laboratory, or demonstrable equivalent capability
• Exposure to SANAS ISO/IEC 17025 accredited environments.
• Demonstrable experience on at least one of LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, or ICP-MS (advantageous) 
• Proven residue or contaminant testing experience
• Track record in method transfer, optimisation, and validation

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with instruments such as ICP-MS, UV-Vis, and AAS.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality systems.

Other:

• Willingness to work weekends and public holidays where needed.

High degree of professional ethics and values aligned with:

• Integrity
• Courage
• Care
• Passion
• Innovation
• Accountability
• Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates