Laboratory Specialist P000848 at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• The Laboratory Specialist is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence and technical reliability across the research unit.
• This role is central to maintaining uninterrupted functionality across the full spectrum of laboratory infrastructure, including critical support and monitoring systems.
• The Laboratory Specialist ensures improved maintenance of expensive analytical equipment, leading to improved functionality, reduced maintenance cost, improved post-graduate flow-through, and increased publication outputs for the research entity.
• By implementing robust quality control measures, the Laboratory Specialist plays a key role in upholding the integrity of the research entity outputs and enabling high-impact, methodologically sound research.
• The Laboratory Specialist will also be responsible for post-graduate training and support on various analytical equipment (GC, NMR, EPR, LC).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational activities:

• Pre-analytical and analytical processing of research samples and equipment maintenance.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades and manage installation and integration processes to enhance operational capacity.
• Execute routine servicing of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimise downtime.

 Research and Innovation:

• Assistance with method development and improvement of analytical capabilities.

Teaching and Learning:

• Student training

 Laboratory Administration:

• Effective and efficient inventory management.
• 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.

 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 Masters’ degree (NQF level 9) 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); and
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
• Must have experience in Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• 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 electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control
• Excellent computer skills with proven competency in mass spectrometry (MS) and NMR data processing
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, risk assessments, and emergency protocols, ensuring a safe working environment and minimising risks related to hazardous and biohazardous materials
• Record keeping of equipment booking, usage logs, results and quality documentation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Language proficient in a multi-lingual environment
• Ability to train 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
• Ability to function under pressure
• Natural innovator who strives for ‘best practice’ and technical advancement.

Apply by: 22 October 2025