Overall Job Purpose
To execute strategy as well as perform routine management of Mineralogy section within the Analytical Services Unit, Council for Geoscience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Overseeing Mineralogy Section's operations (X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Scanning Electron Microscope (SCM), Petrography, Mineral Separation and Ceramics laboratory), research and team management.
Ensure adherence to an effective laboratory quality management system that is compliant to applicable ISO standards.
Maintain and monitor quality control on all procedures employed in the section.
Develop laboratory standard operating procedures and work instructions.
Perform method validation on laboratory test methods and align them to international best practices.
Ensure that the section produce accurate and validated analysis data.
Maintain participation in proficiency testing programmes for the section's test methods.
Perform Root Cause Analysis to all non-conformances that are raised in the section.
Implement corrective and preventative measures to all audit observations and findings.
Ensure that occupational hazards are identified and that risks are assessed and eliminated, mitigated or managed as required by occupational health and safety legislation.
Ensure that the laboratory environment is safe and free from harm.
Conduct and supervise section related individual and/or cooperative research.
Monitor and control operational expenditure of the section.
Measure and Improve analysis turnaround times
Supervise and develop staff with optimal knowledge and skills to deliver on the mandate of the Analytical Services Business Unit.
Provides advanced scientific advice to the public and private sector organisations.
Work closely with other CGS Business Units within scientific and support divisions to ensure successful execution of projects.
KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Ability to independently conduct complex geo-scientific investigations and research (initiative, well organized, multitasking).
Ability to interpret, evaluate and assess research data (analytical thinking).
Ability to evaluate and assess research work and reports of other scientists.
Ability to compile and present geo-scientific research investigations at national and international forums.
Ability to develop and present geo-scientific project proposals (strategic thinking).
Ability to manage a Mineralogy section team of scientists and technicians (initiate action).
Ability to mentor and coach other scientists (Impact, influence and energize).
Knowledge of ISO certification processes and standards.
Ability to work according to Standard Operating Procedures and the consistent application thereof.
Safety conscious.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Grade 12; and
A minimum qualification of BSc Hons in Geology or any other relevant earth science qualification with a minimum of 13 years relevant experience, or
MSc in Geology or any other relevant earth science qualification with 8 years relevant experience, or
PhD in Geology or any other relevant earth science qualification with 5 years relevant experience.
Certificate in ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or any relevant QMS standard.
Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP.
NRF rating is an added advantage.
Valid drivers' licence.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Experience in ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 and other relevant quality management systems.
Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
Experience in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software.
Computer literacy and familiar with the use of laboratory instrumentation operating sophisticated and dedicated software.
Working experience of relevant methods and equipment.