ICP Technicians [ICP-OES or ICP-MS instruments]

SUMMARY:

POSITION INFO:
The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting elemental analysis, ensuring data accuracy, maintaining laboratory standards, and supporting quality control and research activities. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with ICP instrumentation, sample preparation techniques, troubleshooting analytical equipment, and working within an ISO-accredited laboratory environment. Key Responsibilities Instrument Operation & Analysis Operate and monitor ICP-OES and\/or ICP-MS instruments for routine and non-routine elemental analysis. Prepare, analyse, and interpret samples according to approved laboratory methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Conduct calibration, standardization, and performance verification of analytical instruments. Review analytical data and identify anomalies or out-of-specification results. Generate accurate reports and communicate findings to relevant stakeholders. Instrument Maintenance & Troubleshooting Perform routine preventative maintenance on ICP equipment. Diagnose and resolve instrument-related issues to minimize downtime. Replace consumables and maintain instrument performance. Coordinate with instrument vendors and service providers when required. Maintain service logs and equipment maintenance records. Sample Preparation Prepare samples using digestion, dilution, filtration, and extraction techniques. Ensure proper sample handling, storage, and chain-of-custody procedures. Maintain sample integrity throughout the analytical process. Quality Assurance & Compliance Adhere to ISO 17025, GLP, GMP, and laboratory quality management systems where applicable. Conduct quality control checks, including blanks, duplicates, spikes, and certified reference materials. Participate in internal and external proficiency testing programmes. Ensure compliance with laboratory health, safety, and environmental regulations. Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate laboratory records and data management systems. Prepare technical reports and analytical summaries. Assist with method validation, verification, and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure all documentation meets regulatory and audit requirements. Minimum Requirements Qualifications National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in: Analytical Chemistry Chemistry Chemical Technology Environmental Science Applied Science Related Scientific Discipline Experience Minimum 2-5 years' experience operating ICP-OES and\/or ICP-MS instrumentation. Experience in a commercial, mining, environmental, pharmaceutical, metallurgical, or research laboratory. Familiarity with sample digestion techniques and elemental analysis methodologies. Experience working within an ISO-accredited laboratory environment preferred. Technical Competencies Strong knowledge of ICP-OES and ICP-MS analytical principles. Understanding of trace and ultra-trace elemental analysis. Experience with method development and validation. Knowledge of laboratory quality systems and quality control procedures. Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Competence in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook). Ability to interpret analytical data and troubleshoot technical issues. Key Skills & Attributes Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Analytical and critical-thinking ability. Effective time management and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and within a team environment. Strong communication and report-writing skills. Commitment to laboratory safety and quality standards. Preferred Experience Experience in mining, environmental testing, water analysis, pharmaceuticals, or metallurgical laboratories. Exposure to ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. Knowledge of acid digestion techniques and clean laboratory practices. Experience with Agilent, PerkinElmer, Thermo Fisher, Shimadzu, or Spectro ICP platforms. Remuneration Market-related salary dependent on qualifications, experience, and technical expertise. Reporting To: Laboratory Manager \/ Senior Analytical Chemist \/ Technical Manager Working Conditions: Laboratory-based role. May require occasional overtime to meet testing deadlines. Compliance with laboratory PPE and safety requirements is mandatory Sal up to R600k, with 13th and 14th check, plus provident fund after probation