Senior Chemist Geochemistry / Mineral Laboratory

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily analytical activities in the Geochemistry Laboratory, ensuring compliance with approved methods, procedures, and applicable standards.
• Lead the development, validation, verification, and implementation of analytical methods.
• Review analytical data, investigate non-conforming results, and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.
• Oversee the performance, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Maintain the integrity of LIMS and support improvements to laboratory systems and workflows.
• Coordinate proficiency testing, inter-laboratory comparisons, and quality-control programmes.
• Monitor laboratory consumables, certified reference materials (CRMs), reagents, and inventory requirements.
• Quality Management and Accreditation
• Lead and support the establishment, achievement, and maintenance of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
• Ensure laboratory activities comply with quality management system requirements and applicable technical standards.
• Coordinate accreditation assessments, internal and external audits, corrective actions, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Ensure technical documentation, analytical records, and quality-control data are accurate, complete, and properly maintained.
• Team Leadership and Development
• Train, coach, and assess the technical competency of Chemists and other laboratory personnel.
• Provide technical guidance on analytical methods, quality issues, equipment performance, and laboratory procedures.
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Deputy Laboratory Management
• When delegated to deputise for laboratory management, responsibilities include:
• Overseeing daily operations, production planning, staffing, and workload allocation.
• Monitoring production targets, turnaround times, and operational KPIs.
• Coordinating customer inquiries and representing the laboratory in meetings as required.
• Approving technical documentation within delegated authority and addressing operational issues, escalating significant risks to management.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in a geochemistry or mineral laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated experience with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation processes.
• Strong technical leadership skills and a proven ability to manage laboratory operations.