Chemist
Overview
• Investigate and resolve data quality issues and produce outcomes that satisfy/ exceed client’s expectations when required
• Ongoing training and development of staff within the analytical / QC section
• Plan, set-up and co-ordinate method validations for the Laboratory and validation reports
• Review quality metrics as defined by the laboratory and management
• Work with the quality systems staff to ensure compliance to ISO17025 requirements
• Checking and approving outgoing analytical data
• Ensure QPs, QWIs, SOPs or client specific procedures are followed
• Advise on inventory, consumable purchases and maintaining adequate stock levels
• Ensure all analytical instruments/equipment are properly maintained to minimize breakdowns and downtime
• Ensure that timely and quality results are reported to clients through sound analytical analysis and correct QC interpretation
• Ensure efficient operation of all analytical instruments and all work is completed on time with a high degree of accuracy.
• Remain client focused by exceeding their expectations
• Optimize turnaround time and ensure accurate, timely results are achieved and maintained
• Ensure the quality and integrity of procedures used is maintained so as to produce a product that meets the quality objectives
• Advise staff of the quality criteria and ensure equipment is maintained so as to achieve those objectives
• Measure, record, and act upon QA/QC procedures and results immediately by providing feedback
• Regular monitoring of quality
• Ensure the quality of work performed is maintained at a level that meets or exceeds acceptable standards
• Follow the ALS HR best practices whilst managing staff.

Qualifications
• A Minimum of a Chemistry Degree or equivalent from a recognized University or Institution
• Grade 12 Certificate
• 2 – 5years’ relevant experience in a similar role
• Computer literate
• Sound technical knowledge of Chemistry techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Sample Preparation Team Leader
Overview
• Organize workload according to daily department stats and ensure turnaround demands
• Maintain and organize production logs and follow up on priority work orders
• Track sample movement on GEMS and respond timeously to client queries and any technical issues they may have impact on the section’s activities
• Ensure all documentation related to maintenance, calibration and training are up to date and available at all times
• Require to supervise staff members on a shift from time to time (including night shift)
• Planning of optimal staff requirements against work demand
• Perform pre-shift checks and post-shift checks and act on any non-conformances where required
• Overall responsible for stock takes and maintenance of minimum stock levels in the section
• Plan for spares and maintenance of the sample preparation equipment (Jaw Crushers, Boyd crusher and LM2 Pulverisers). Institute appropriate corrective and preventative measures
• Ensure forklift operating staff are able to drive forklift with valid license
• Able to write reports and do QC and turnaround time investigations
• Planning of optimal staff requirements against work demand
• In conjunction with the Operations Manager, propose for improvements in routine and non-routine procedures and validate new methods
• Maintain up to date communication with the Operations Manager on issues that may involve Sample Preparation staff, production or any other matter relating to the section’s performance and operation. Assist to resolve these timeously
• Attend technical meetings and weekly production meetings and actively contribute in regard to the overall goals of the laboratory
• Assist to continuously improve TAT
• Ensure proper planning and timeous maintenance scheduling of equipment within the department
• Ordering of consumables and other related Sample Preparation supplies
• Perform all other reasonable duties as determined by the Operations Manager

Qualification
• Sound technical knowledge of Sample Preparation techniques
• A Minimum of a Chemistry Diploma or Degree or equivalent from a recognized University or Institution
• 5 – 10 years’ relevant Sample Preparation experience


Maintenance Technician
Overview
• Ensure all routine maintenance tasks are attended to timeously to ensure minimal downtime on all laboratory instrumentation and auxiliary equipment
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are in place and adhered to, to ensure minimal instrument breakdowns
• Plan preventative maintenance schedules periodically to ensure smooth running of the laboratory facility
• Liaise with equipment vendors and plan preventative maintenance to ensure minimum downtime of the laboratory operations
• Source equipment from credible suppliers to ensure low costs on maintenance and short lead times
• Liaise with all section heads on preventative maintenance schedule in line with operational requirements
• Coordinate the manpower resources within the maintenance department to ensure efficiency in attending to breakdowns and all maintenance schedules
• Supervise the teams’ outputs, manage performance and train where necessary to provide an optimal support infrastructure to the operational unit
• Attend weekly production meetings with constructive input to the overall goals of the operations unit
• Ensure regular housekeeping inspections to assess the day to day up keep of the site and to ensure support equipment is in functional conditions at all times.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
• Ensure ALS Health and Safety policies and procedures are adhered to at all times
• A Minimum of a Maintenance Artisan Diploma or equivalent from a recognized Institution.
• 3-5 years Laboratory experience is an added advantage.
• Hands-on experience in developing and implementing preventative maintenance procedures.
• Demonstrated ability of planning and scheduling repairs.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical , electronic and mechanical systems
• Physically capable and available to work overtime including weekends, public holidays, and evenings.
• Attention to detail and able to work under pressure and independently
• High level of integrity and excellent communicating skills
• Ability to multi task and meet challenging deadlines

Laboratory Technician
Overview
• Calibration the weighing balances and keeping daily weekly and monthly records of the calibration data. Capture all the weighing of the calibration data and maintain on the log book.
• Calibration of dispenses and recording the data onto the log books
• Preparation of mineral acids (Hydrochloric acids, nitric acids and aqua regia) to digest the samples.
• Ability to use the microwave oven to digest the pearls after addition of acids.
• Check and maintain the fume hood and scrubbers.
• Monitoring the neutralization of acid fumes and waste from the digestion room before the discarding process
• Operate AA instruments
• Provide feedback to your line manager/supervisor on the equipment and timeous reporting on faults.
• Train new staff
• Provide daily shift production statistics
• Have in depth knowledge of geochemical samples
• Work in other lab areas on the tasks being trained as required
• Report all instrument failures and faults on time
• Making sure that priority jobs are read as directed by the line manager/supervisor
• Perform any other duties that may be deemed fit by your line manager
• Always follow all ALS Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure ALS Health and Safety policies and procedures are always adhered to
• Able to prioritize and give accurate feedback on time
• High standards of attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines
• Able to anticipate needs and must be responsive to enquiries
• Facilitates a team-oriented approach at organizational level
• Sound decision making skills
• A minimum of a Laboratory Technician Diploma or equivalent from a recognized Institution
1 – 2 years’ experience in a laboratory or similar environment
• Full Grade 12 certificate or equivalent