Supervisor: Applied Chemical Assay at Mintek

Introduction

• An exciting career opportunity exists at Mintek for a Supervisor: Applied Chemical Assay. The successful incumbent will be responsible for highly complex, advanced technical laboratory analyses. Work is integrated in nature and requires in-depth knowledge of the specialist area. The incumbent will be involved in conducting complex research activities involving analysis and evaluation of research data to support an established research effort. All suitably qualified and experienced candidates are invited to apply.

Job description
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
 
Plan, coordinate and schedule workflow in the section

•       Allocate daily duties to staff to ensure daily backlogs are maintained at acceptable levels
•       Delegate critical tasks to key staff to ensure sample flow runs uninterrupted
•       Liaise with project chief investigators to ensure all project requirements are understood and met
•       Communicate delays, problems, breakdowns and/or any other anticipated anomalies within reasonable timeframes to the clients
•       Generate daily output reports and present to section head
•       Liaise directly with suppliers of equipment and consumables to ensure speedy delivery of services and products
•       Manage outsourcing of analyses in accordance with ISO17025 requirements and in a manner as to avoid delays
•       Report, authorize and issue analytical results within acceptable and agreed time frames.

 
Maintain section’s technical competence

•       Transfer skills to subordinates in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
•       Interact with staff in problem-solving of analytical queries and communicating knowledge gained from the suppliers, conferences and client meetings
•       Manage the staff rotation to ensure skills are transferred throughout the division
•       Identify trends in the mineral industry and advise management on available opportunities
•       Experience with method development, calibration of instruments, optimization, validation, and analytical problem solving on sample preparation, XRF, ICP-OES, AAS and ICP-MS.
•       Knowledge of analysis of Geological and Metallurgical samples that are liquids and solids analysis with Spectroscopic instruments such as Sample Samples, AAS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS and XRF.
•       Discretion when dealing with disclosures of sensitive and proprietary information.
•       Transfer validated methods to analysis teams for routine analysis
•       Conferring with scientists and engineers to analyse, interpret and develop tests.
•       Optimizes analytical equipment and performs mathematical and statistical calculations to ensure correct analysis of samples.
•       Performs major equipment troubleshooting reliably to solve faults or deviations.
•       Reports and discusses any anomalies and deviations observed on the methods, procedures and results with the group’s Head.
•       Voluntarily presents informative technical topics at divisional general meetings.
•       Actively participates in technical discussions and makes informed suggestions.

 
Display an advanced understanding of Sample Preparation and Spectroscopic techniques

•       Interprets analytical results of the same sample from various sections and makes informed decisions on appropriate methods of analysis.
•       Reliably and successfully performs fusion procedures for the complex and non-routine ore types
•       Able to identify sample material according to ore type (e.g. Iron Ore, Ferro Manganese, Monozite, etc.) and apply appropriate sample preparation and analysis procedures.
•       Coordinates twin-streaming analyses to ensure analyst results compare well to own results before authorizing and reporting
•       Understands the impact of precision and accuracy of results and always strives to achieve data that is within acceptable specifications
•       Performs investigations on results discrepancies reliably and consistently to recommend corrective action procedures
•       Interacts (in consultation with Heads, other supervisors) with chief investigators from metallurgical divisions regarding project requirements
•       Achieves team work targets by ensuring smooth process flow between team stages
•       Understands the theory behind analytical chemistry, and thereby assist analysts with non-routine sample analysis
•       Readily available to impart knowledge and skill by training and coaching lower level staff.

 
Use generic and vocational knowledge and skills to resolve problems related to quality, quantity and cost

•       Actively participates in section’s method development and quality improvement initiatives.
•       Appreciates the cost implications of waste and strives to minimize repeats, promotes the use of consumables sparingly and does regular maintenance of equipment to minimize breakdowns. 
•       Works systematically and in compliance with the group’s standard operating procedures and methods to achieve accurate assays within acceptable time frames.
•       Makes good use of daily backlog reports to ensure samples are reported within required time by reporting immediately any deficiencies and malfunctions to the Laboratory Manager.
•       Ensure that all reference materials are valid and traceable to an approved Supplier.
•       To ensure that all analytical solutions and reagents are standardized before use.
•       Ensures that there are enough resources to be able to carry out daily tasks.
•       Appreciates the impact of inaccurate instrument calibrations and ensures calibration standards are thoroughly checked in accordance with GLP standards before use.

 
Displays good planning and budget control abilities

•       Makes valuable inputs into the planning process of the section in terms of the allocation of resources
•       Provide technical and operational input on the operational planning of the unit and on the prioritisation of objectives
•       Determine, request and allocate assets and resources for the fulfilment of work objectives, and monitor its use
•       Makes efforts to find and suggest best suppliers of consumables and equipment with cost effective prices 
•       Reports and authorises results within acceptable time frames.

 
Enforces adherence to SHEQ standards and Participate in proficiency testing schemes and production of certified reference material program.

•       Ensures that the samples are properly managed to reduce the risk of sample contamination, mix ups or misplacements
•       Actively participates in SHEQ duties and attends all relevant meetings 
•       Actively participate in the PT scheme program when required.
•       Produce PT results that conform to competency
•       Perform corrective active on PT scheme results that have not pass the requirements
•       Participate in CRM production activities when required.
•       Assist in compiling data for CRM production.
•       Complete all PT scheme and CRM production per schedule.

 
Relationship management and reporting.

•       May lead, guide and train staff and students in the use of equipment and facilities.

Minimum requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:

•       Minimum: Master’s Degree in  Analytical Chemistry
•       PhD in Analytical Chemistry advantageous

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

•       Professional (i.e. eligible for statutory professional registration as a technologist i.e SACNASP)
•       Extensive knowledge in chemical analysis of minerals ores using spectroscopy techniques such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF, and/ or AAS
•       Development and validation of new and existing analytical methods from sample preparation for base metals and rare earth elements (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF, and/ or AAS).
•       Experience in leading a team of more than 5 staff in a commercial environment.
•       Optimization of analytical methods and Improves efficiency by reducing repeats.
•       Extensive Knowledge of Sample Preparation such as Acid Digestion, Fusion etc.
•       Analyses of routine and non-routine samples to ensure accurate and quality results are reported with the quickest TAT.
•       Ensure all equipment requiring external service is serviced, calibrated and fit for purpose.
•       Must be able to troubleshoot instruments and commission new equipment.
•       Must develop and maintain a quality assurance system and administration thereof. 
•       Computer literacy - Knowledge of LIMS system and extensive knowledge in using Microsoft systems such as Excel, and PowerPoint.
•       5-7 years’ experience in the analytical chemistry laboratory
•       A minimum of 2 scientific publications or a proven record of presentations at local and international conferences in the field of Analytical Chemistry.
•       Working experience in ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
•       Implementation of ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 and ISO Guide 35.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

•       Ability to maintain quality, safety and other SHEQ standards.
•       Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocols.
•       Knowledge and understanding of experimental procedures and data analysis, manipulation and reduction within own research area.
•       Advanced knowledge of research principles and methodologies within own specific research area.
•       Knowledge of advanced data analysis and methods and techniques.
•       Ability to adapt standard research methodologies, protocols and procedures to meet operational needs.
•       Ability to develop creative solutions to unique, unexpected operational research issues and problems.
•        Needs to be able to work in a laboratory environment.