Senior Laboratory Analyst

SUMMARY:
Our client in Stellenbosch is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Laboratory Data Systems and Quality Analyst to join their team. The ideal candidate will oversee the administration and optimization of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), conduct precise chemical and microbiological analyses for wine quality, and serve as a technical signatory in a SANS 17025-accredited laboratory, ensuring site hygiene and quality excellence through exceptional attention to detail, expert problem-solving, and specialized expertise in wine microbiology.

POSITION INFO:
A recent professional profile photo is to accompany your application
EMPLOYMENT TYPE : Permanent
SECTOR : Quality
BASIC SALARY : Market related
START DATE : A.S.A.P / Immediate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Degree or High National Diploma in Micro, Food Technology, or Biotechnology
• 2-3 years of experience in a similar role
• Extensive Laboratory Knowledge
• Extensive chemical analysis knowledge specific to wine quality (pH, SO₂, VA, alcohol)
• Working Knowledge Cellar / wine production process
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
• Analytical Skills
• Accurate record keeping
• Good communication skills

• Administer and maintain the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring data integrity and SANAS 17025 compliance
• Optimize microbiological systems and processes to support wine quality and food safety
• Conduct chemical analysis including pH, titratable acidity, sulfur dioxide, volatile acidity, and alcohol content
• Align laboratory goals and objectives with companies’ quality and compliance strategy
• Manage and optimize the microbiology laboratory, including workflow improvements and hygiene governance
• Calibrate, validate, and troubleshoot analytical equipment to maintain SANAS 17025 accreditation
• Conduct staff training on LIMS functionality, chemical/micro analysis techniques, and SANAS 17025 protocols
• Act as a technical signatory to validate analytical results for SANAS compliance
• Protect companies reputation through scientific integrity, audit readiness, and analytical accuracy
• Ensure compliance with SANAS 17025, ISO 22000, and industry specifications
• Maintain integrity and traceability of analytical results and laboratory records
• Analyse data to identify risks to wine quality, shelf life, and consumer safety
• Conduct microbiological testing for yeast and bacterial spoilage organisms
• Lead site hygiene governance, including microbial monitoring, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Ensure compliance to microbiological methods, standards, and reporting protocols
• Drive problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives related to quality and hygiene
• Manage a high-performance culture of accountability, excellence, and accuracy
• Apply advanced microbiological knowledge, including enzymatic assays, culturing, and PCR
• Participate in normal routine analysis in the main laboratory as a stand-in when required
• Conduct feasibility assessments for international market compliance and engage with global stakeholders

• Extensive chemical analysis knowledge specific to wine quality (pH, SO₂, VA, alcohol)
• Extensive microbiological knowledge including wine spoilage organisms and hygiene governance
• Innovative, with a proactive mindset toward continuous improvement in lab systems
• Passionate about quality, accuracy, and microbiological integrity in wine production
• Advanced problem-solving skills for both technical and compliance-related challenges
• Ability to interpret analytical trends and assess quality and food safety risks
• Proficient in LIMS administration, including system configuration and data compliance under SANAS 17025
• Diligent work ethic with a focus on precision, consistency, and audit traceability
• Analytical and logical thinker capable of designing and implementing technical solutions
• Exceptional attention to detail in data handling, equipment calibration, and record keeping
• Strong quality-driven mindset aligned with companies compliance goals
• Accurate and audit-ready record keeping for SANAS and ISO 22000 requirements
• Excellent report writing and communication skills for both internal and external technical audiences
• Proven technical signatory experience with a sound understanding of SANAS 17025 requirements
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, visualization, and report generation
• Ability to train staff and ensure competence in LIMS, analysis methods, and hygiene protocols