Section Head: Mineralogy at Council for Geoscience (CGS)

Overall Job Purpose:

• To execute strategy as well as perform routine management of Mineralogy section within the Analytical Services Unit, Council for Geoscience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Overseeing Mineralogy Section’s operations (X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Scanning Electron Microscope (SCM), Petrography, Mineral Separation and Ceramics laboratory), research and team management.
• Ensure adherence to an effective laboratory quality management system that is compliant to applicable ISO standards.
• Maintain and monitor quality control on all procedures employed in the section.
• Develop laboratory standard operating procedures and work instructions.
• Perform method validation on laboratory test methods and align them to international best practices.
• Ensure that the section produce accurate and validated analysis data.
• Maintain participation in proficiency testing programmes for the section’s test methods.
• Perform Root Cause Analysis to all non-conformances that are raised in the section.
• Implement corrective and preventative measures to all audit observations and findings.
• Ensure that occupational hazards are identified and that risks are assessed and eliminated, mitigated or managed as required by occupational health and safety legislation.
• Ensure that the laboratory environment is safe and free from harm.
• Conduct and supervise section related individual and/or cooperative research.
• Monitor and control operational expenditure of the section.
• Measure and Improve analysis turnaround times
• Supervise and develop staff with optimal knowledge and skills to deliver on the mandate of the Analytical Services Business Unit.
• Provides advanced scientific advice to the public and private sector organisations.
• Work closely with other CGS Business Units within scientific and support divisions to ensure successful execution of projects.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to independently conduct complex geo-scientific investigations and research (initiative, well organized, multitasking).
• Ability to interpret, evaluate and assess research data (analytical thinking).
• Ability to evaluate and assess research work and reports of other scientists.
• Ability to compile and present geo-scientific research investigations at national and international forums.
• Ability to develop and present geo-scientific project proposals (strategic thinking).
• Ability to manage a Mineralogy section team of scientists and technicians (initiate action).
• Ability to mentor and coach other scientists (Impact, influence and energize).
• Knowledge of ISO certification processes and standards.
• Ability to work according to Standard Operating Procedures and the consistent application thereof.
• Safety conscious.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• A minimum qualification of BSc Hons in Geology or any other relevant earth science qualification with a minimum of 13 years relevant experience, or
• MSc in Geology or any other relevant earth science qualification with 8 years relevant experience, or
• PhD in Geology or any other relevant earth science qualification with 5 years relevant experience.
• Certificate in ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or any relevant QMS standard.
• Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP.
• NRF rating is an added advantage.
• Valid drivers’ licence.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 and other relevant quality management systems.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
• Experience in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software.
• Computer literacy and familiar with the use of laboratory instrumentation operating sophisticated and dedicated software.
• Working experience of relevant methods and equipment.