Scientist: Organic (Hay Level 15/C4) Internal and External 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.
• Facilitate instrument maintenance activities (planned and unplanned) including putting measures to prevent breakdowns that can make the lab unavailable for prolonged periods

Marketing

• Develop factsheets to promote products and services for NLS.
• Participate in scientific panels, working groups and scientific conferences at a national level to promote LS capabilities to the market.
• Participate in at least two marketing events organized by the department in a year

 Product development

• Produce technical reports on projects or activities carried out.
• Contribute to product development activities assigned to him/her.
• Undertake product concept development activities assigned to him/her.

  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

Requirements

Job Requirements:

Key Knowledge & Skills:

• The In-depth understanding and knowledge of GC, GC-MS, FTIR, IC, LC-MS, & HPLC equipment used in the organic laboratories.
• Ability to perform trouble shooting on the above lab equipment and instrumentation.
• Understanding / insight on project management skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of international best practices such as GLP, GMP, ISO, ASTM, CTBTO, WHO, IAEA, etc.
• The ability to perform the Chromatographic test analysis.
• The ability to perform directed scientific methods/procedure development in the field of interest with minimal guidance
• The ability to operate selected instruments/ equipment/ apparatus and to interpret the results
• The ability to integrate and interpret analytical data from different techniques
• The ability to write experimental reports and to make oral presentations with colleagues, peers, etc.
• Computer literate and the ability to understand, learn and apply new software as required.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioral):

• You will need to pass a pre-employment and a routine annual medical examination to be eligible to perform duties associated with this position.
• You will have to work as a registered radiation and chemical worker by passing all the in-house training to be given to you in this regard.
• Work is almost exclusively in laboratories where you will have to wear protective clothing.
• Some degree of lifting and heavy work is common with the daily moving of files, instrument and supplies.

Behavioural Competencies

• Analytical Thinking and Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Motivation to Learn
• Safety oriented
• Customer service oriented
• Effective communication
• Judgement and decision making
• Creativity and Innovation 

Minimum Qualifications:

• BSc Honours Degree in Chemistry - or Physics
• MSc will be an added advantage

Minimum Experience:

• 5-7 years of experience working with laboratory instruments such as GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, etc. in an Organic lab.
• 5-7 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 eligible to be registered as Radiation & Chemical Worker
• Professional Certification in Natural Sciences or legible for certification (i.e. SACNASP)