Senior Chemist - Geochemistry / Mineral Laboratory

The Senior Chemist will lead technical activities within the Geochemistry Laboratory, ensuring reliable analytical results, compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and efficient laboratory operations. The role also supports laboratory accreditation and deputises for the Laboratory Manager or Assistant Laboratory Manager when required. Technical Leadership and Laboratory Operations Lead and coordinate daily analytical activities within 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: Oversee daily operations, production planning, staffing and workload allocation. Monitor production targets, turnaround times and operational KPIs. Coordinate customer inquiries and represent the laboratory in meetings as required. Approve technical documentation within delegated authority and address operational issues, escalating significant risks to management.

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Geochemistry or a related scientific discipline. Minimum 7 years of laboratory experience, including at least 3 years in a senior or supervisory position. Relevant experience in a geochemistry, mineral testing or analytical laboratory. Strong technical knowledge of ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Fire Assay and laboratory analytical methods. Good understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and laboratory quality management systems. Required Skills Strong technical leadership, decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Excellent written and spoken English, including technical report writing. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Commitment to SGS standards of health and safety, integrity and professional conduct.

Lead technical activities within the Geochemistry Laboratory, ensuring reliable analytical results and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. Support laboratory accreditation and deputise for Laboratory Manager/Assistant Laboratory Manager. Lead and coordinate daily analytical activities, ensure compliance with approved methods and standards. Lead development, validation, verification and implementation of analytical methods. Review analytical data, investigate non-conforming results and coordinate corrective actions. Oversee calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment and instruments. Maintain LIMS integrity and support improvements to systems and workflows. Coordinate proficiency testing and quality-control programmes. Monitor consumables, CRMs, reagents and inventory. Lead and support ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation efforts, audits and continuous improvement. Maintain technical documentation and QC data. Train and assess chemists and laboratory staff. Provide guidance on analytical methods, quality issues and equipment performance. Promote a culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement. Deputise for laboratory management: oversee daily operations, staffing, workload, production targets and KPIs; handle customer inquiries and represent the lab in meetings; approve technical documentation and escalate significant risks.