Alfred H Knight has an opportunity for a Shift Chemist to join our team based in Rustenburg where you will be responsible for the effective running and overseeing of all shift production operations (Sample Preparation, Fire Assay, WetChem/ICP-OES) of Rustenburg Laboratory in accordance with Company Policies, Procedures and ISO 17025:2017 requirements.
Responsible for ensuring the generation and production of analytical results to a high degree of precision and accuracy and ensuring that a cost-effective and high-quality analytical service is provided to clients within stipulated turnaround times. To meet reporting deadlines on the various types of samples/commodities submitted to the laboratory, analytical evaluation of results and to ensure that all Quality Control measures are upheld to the highest standard.
About us
Alfred H Knight is a totally independent, family owned business spanning five generations. A global network of strategically placed offices and laboratories enable global trade by providing independent inspection, analysis and consultancy services to the metals and minerals, solid fuels and agriculture industries.
We have honed & carefully crafted our reputation. Delivering knowledge and professionalism in all aspects of weighing, sampling and analysis. We thrive by continuing to re-invest in our facilities, technology and people. Click here to find out more about AHK.
Do you have what it takes to become a Shift Chemist?
Responsibilities:
Planning, organising and coordinating Sample Preparation, Fire Assay and WetChem/ICP-OES sections workload effectively and through the most cost-effective utilization of time and resources and meet or exceed agreed quality standards and customer turnaround times
Ensuring at all times that a high degree of accuracy and precision is applied to methods and procedures through incorporating and promoting good laboratory practice principles
To ensure the organisation of daily workload to meet the agreed work schedules and targets and to ensure that all processes are performed in accordance with documented methods and procedures
Implementation of the ISO17025:2017 quality management system within all sections of responsibility under the guidance/direction of the Senior Chemist – Production and Laboratory Technical Team.
Registration of all samples received within the shift on LabCreate and create required worksheets for Sample Preparation and Fire Assay
Ensuring that work throughput is followed in accordance to documented methods and procedures. It is the post holder’s responsibility to address and also inform the Senior Chemist – Production of any failure in compliance to documented methods
Maintaining records and laboratory data such that work is clearly and easily auditable and traceable
Diligently reviewing, processing and authorisation of analytical data/results and reporting to meet customer turnaround times as Technical Signatory
Identifying problems on results production and turnaround times and resolve them timeously and implement corrective and preventative measures recommended by the Senior Chemist-Production
Reporting to the Senior Chemist – Production of repetitive technical problems relating to day-to-day analytical procedures and standard operating practices for resolution
Implement the first line maintenance of equipment and measuring instruments in order to identify sources of unwanted contamination and malfunctions that affect accuracy by ensuring that daily equipment checklists are completed in all Laboratory Sections
Preparing reagents, instrument calibration standards and performing instrument calibrations when required, routinely performing instrument checks and recording all relevant data
Write detailed shiftly laboratory handover reports covering safety, sample throughput, consumables, quality (QC performance, repeats) people and equipment
Ensuring the confidentiality of all results at all times
Setting clear shiftly production targets and ensuring target are met
Leading shift production/toolbox meetings with shift staff ensuring that the workforce is sufficiently informed of set shiftly production targets. It is the post holder’s responsibility to inform the Senior Chemist – Production of continual resourcing difficulties and/or operational problems
Monitoring staff attendance and punctuality in order to achieve high levels of productivity and limit necessity for overtime work.
To be successful within the role, you will need to display the following:
Required Knowledge, Skills and Work Experience
Good knowledge and understanding of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements.
Computer Literacy
Good timekeeping and time management skills.
Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Quality: ‘Right first time’ approach, completes work to a high standard, continually looking for improvements and strong problem-solvers, high level of attention to detail is key within this role.
Managing uncertainty: Handles pressure and ambiguity well, exercises good judgment and handles challenges in a mature manner.
Critical thinking: Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
Team Player / Interpersonal: Builds and maintains positive working relationships with their own team and more widely. Able to work as part of a team as well as independently.
Strict adherence to Health and Safety procedures.
Honest, Adaptable and Flexible, can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal
Thrives in an exciting, fun and global environment.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a production analytical chemistry laboratory with proven track record of fire assay, sample preparation, classical wet chemistry, ICP-OES and good understanding of ISO17025 system implementation
Required Qualifications
Grade 12 (with Maths, Chemistry and Science)
Analytical Chemistry Diploma or other appropriate Tertiary Qualification
What are the benefits?
We are offering an excellent opportunity with a salary and benefits package to match.
