Scientist:Inorganic (Hay Level 15/C4) at NECSA

Key Performance Areas:

Financial recovery and Sustainability 

• Apply scientifically accredited and acceptable process steps to interpret data and provide technical solutions that are of exceptional quality and cost-effective.
• Perform analysis of ad-hoc samples for which validated methods do not exist by using acceptable laboratory practices to provide solutions to new challenges.
• Report back accurately and clearly on assigned tasks within project framework.

Technology Development and Improvement

• Develop and validate methods and systems, in accordance with relevant standards to implement new applications to improve lab capabilities.
• Assist with funding proposals to ensure that appropriate actions (such as purchase of new instrumentation and hiring of staff) are implemented.
• Collaborate with support functionaries to diagnose and find solutions to technical problems.

Marketing

• Develop factsheets to promote products and services for NLS.
• Participate in the scientific panel, working groups and scientific conferences at a national level in order to promote LS capabilities to the market.

Product development

• Produce technical reports on projects or activities carried out.
• Contribute to product development activities assigned to the incumbent.
• Undertake product concept development activities assigned to the incumbent.

OHS, QMS and Regulatory Compliance

• Attest to the performance of methods and instruments by using annually condensed reports on quality control data to ensure the improvement of quality control measures and analytical results.
• Support the laboratory quality system (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025) accreditation and maintenance in accordance with activities allocated in terms of NLS Quality Resource Plan.
• Participate in BBS activities.
• Develop and revise procedures and protocols in line with national and international RC guidelines.
• Lead investigations of technical non-conformances for applicable management systems to the lab.

Human Capital Development

• Provide training on the theory and practical/experiments of techniques and methods in the areas of operation to ensure continued competence of technical personnel.
• Provide training and practical assistance to lab technicians/analysts in basic lab practices, routine analysis and newly developed methods.
• Prepare and supervise procedures for lab analysis, data handling and reduction, and the use of validated analytical methods.
• Acquire and retain professional certification up-to-date and valid on an annual basis.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• BSc Honours Degree in Chemistry, Microbiology or Equivalent.
• MSc will be an added advantage.
• 3-4 years or more years’ experience in lab operations.
• 3-4 years’ practical experience of Microsoft Excel, MS Word, Power Point, Share Point, and LIMS.
• Certificate in SANAS ISO/IEC 17025 Systems and ISO 9001.
• Be legible to be registered as Radiation & Chemical Worker.
• Professional Certification in Natural Sciences or legible for certification.