AssureCloud Pesticides Analyst, Cape Town at SafetySA

Responsibilities
Laboratory Analysis

• Perform pesticide residue testing on food, agricultural, environmental, and related sample matrices.
• Conduct sample preparation, extraction, and clean-up procedures using approved analytical methods, including QuEChERS techniques.
• Prepare calibration standards, reference materials, reagents, and internal standards in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Ensure traceability and accurate documentation of all analytical preparations and activities.
• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing according to validated methods and work instructions.
• Review analytical results to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with quality requirements.
• Ensure all assigned testing is completed within agreed turnaround times.

Instrument Operation and Maintenance

• Operate and maintain GC-MS and GC-MS/MS instrumentation for pesticide residue analysis.
• Perform instrument setup, calibration, tuning, performance verification, and routine maintenance activities.
• Monitor instrument performance and identify deviations from established operating parameters.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and analytical issues and escalate technical concerns where necessary.
• Maintain instrument logbooks and maintenance records.
• Assist with the qualification and verification of new laboratory equipment where required.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Process chromatographic data using approved software systems.
• Review chromatograms, retention times, ion ratios, peak identification, and quantification results.
• Verify analytical calculations and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate and complete technical records in laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Generate test reports and analytical summaries in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Ensure all reported data meets technical and quality requirements before release.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and the laboratory quality management system.
• Evaluate quality control results, including blanks, recoveries, duplicates, reference materials, and calibration verification standards.
• Monitor testing performance against established acceptance criteria.
• Identify and report non-conforming work in accordance with quality procedures.
• Participate in internal audits, proficiency testing schemes, and accreditation assessments.
• Support corrective action investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure laboratory activities comply with regulatory, legal, and client requirements.

Method Development and Validation

• Assist with the development, optimisation, verification, and validation of analytical methods.
• Conduct validation studies including selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, limits of quantification, and measurement uncertainty.
• Support implementation of new analytical methods and technologies.
• Maintain validation records and technical documentation.
• Assist in expanding laboratory testing capabilities and scope of accreditation.

Laboratory Safety and Housekeeping

• Maintain compliance with laboratory health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Adhere to approved procedures for chemical handling, storage, and disposal.
• Ensure contamination control measures are implemented and maintained.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of laboratory work areas.
• Report safety hazards, incidents, and near misses in accordance with company procedures.
• Participate in laboratory safety initiatives and training activities.

Reporting and Communication

• Communicate analytical progress, delays, technical concerns, and testing challenges to laboratory management.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and technical discussions.
• Provide technical input to investigations, client queries, and improvement projects.
• Maintain effective communication with laboratory personnel and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support management reporting through the provision of testing and performance data

Requirements 

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Diploma or Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Training in chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques will be advantageous.
• ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory system training will be advantageous.
• Additional analytical chemistry or laboratory quality management qualifications will be advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in an analytical laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience operating GC-MS and/or GC-MS/MS instrumentation.
• Experience in pesticide residue analysis or trace-level chemical analysis.
• Experience working within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Experience with chromatographic data processing and result interpretation.
• Experience with sample extraction and clean-up techniques.
• Experience maintaining laboratory records and documentation.
• Experience with proficiency testing and quality control programmes will be advantageous.
• Advantageous Experience
• Multi-residue pesticide analysis in food and agricultural products.
• Method development and validation using GC-MS/MS systems.
• QuEChERS extraction techniques across multiple sample matrices.
• Experience using Shimadzu analytical instruments.
• Experience with LabSolutions software.
• Experience operating LC-MS/MS instrumentation.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong technical troubleshooting capabilities.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to interpret complex analytical data and scientific information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong record-keeping and documentation abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.

Knowledge

• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS).
• Pesticide residue testing methodologies.
• Chromatographic theory and analytical chemistry principles.
• Sample preparation and extraction techniques.
• ISO/IEC 17025 quality management systems.
• Quality control and quality assurance practices.
• Method validation and verification principles.
• Measurement uncertainty concepts.
• Laboratory safety and chemical handling requirements.
• Data integrity and traceability requirements.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Other

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-throughput laboratory environment.
• Commitment to maintaining scientific integrity and ethical laboratory practices.
• Strong focus on quality, accuracy, and customer service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of laboratory and client information.
• Willingness to participate in training, proficiency testing, and continuous professional development.
• Ability to work additional hours when operational requirements dictate.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental compliance.

High degree of professionalism and adherence to company values:

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