Instrumentation Lead – Spark OES/pXRF ALS Chemex

About the Position

The Instrumentation Lead will work at the ALS Geochemistry Ndola.

The role will involve ensuring that all Spark OES and pXRF instrumentation activities are optimized and that the instrumentation section is run efficiently. Additionally, as part of the senior Lab management team, the position holder will provide assurance that site quality, safety and productivity management systems are all fit for purpose

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 15 November 2022

Duties/ Responsibilities

• Ensure that timely and quality results are reported to clients through sound analytical analysis and correct QC interpretation
• Implement and maintain the quality system according to the requirements of ISO 9001 and ISO 17025
• Minimize the number of amended work orders due to error.
• Ensure staff members have the training and skills to successfully complete the tasks assigned.
• Provide technical input to the Analytical/Instrumentation section to ensure the highest data quality is generated by the Spark OES and pXRF instruments.
• Check and Approve 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 efficient operation of all analytical instruments and all work is completed on time with a high degree of accuracy.
• Maximize productivity and efficiency through improved work practices.
• Effectively and efficiently utilize resources to minimize wastage.
• Remain client focused by exceeding their expectations.
• Ensure ongoing training and staff development
• Optimize turnaround time and ensure accurate, timely results are achieved and maintained.
• Propose improvements in routine and non-routine procedures and ensure timeous validation of new methods.
• Ensure all documentation related to instrument maintenance, calibration and training are always up to date and available.
• Overall responsibility for run and workorder approvals for Spark OES and pXRF Instruments.
• Provide technical support, training and mentoring of junior staff from time to time
• Daily Management of the Analytical/Instrumentation section to ensure quality, turnaround, HSE targets are met.
• Overall responsible for the departments HSE compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in Quality and Productivity.
• Coordinate participation in internal and external round robins / Proficiency testing schemes for Copper Cathodes. Ensure satisfactory performance.
• Organize workload according to daily stats and turnaround time demands
• Follow up on priority work orders.
• Carry out QC and SHE investigations when required. Capable of working unsupervised
• Assist with repair and maintenance scheduling of all instruments/equipment in the section.
• Assist with the ordering of consumables and other related instrumentation supplies
• Perform all other reasonable duties as determined by line management.

About you

• To be successful in this role you will have:
• Chemistry/Science/Geology/Engineering Degree from a recognized University or Institution and or in-depth understanding and knowledge of Chemistry or Geology.
• Atleast 3-5 years Laboratory experience with atleast 2 years in a Supervisory role
• An in-depth knowledge of Quality Management and ISO 17025 accreditation processes.
• Demonstrated hands-on knowledge of operating Spectroscopic Instruments Spark OES, XRF.
• Sound technical knowledge of Geochemical analytical techniques
• A strong customer focus