PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Management of School and associated Research Entity laboratories and pilot plant areas, OHS representative.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Laboratory management

• Line management of any staff assigned.
• Responsible for daily operation of laboratories, including access control.
• Strategic planning for sustainable growth.
• Control maintenance schedules for specialist equipment.
• Asset control.
• Proficient in key equipment of the group, such as GC-MS, HPLC, Ultimate analysis, fibre analysis and ICP.

OHS

• OHS representative.
• Control and supervision of OHS processes.

Chemicals and consumables

• Stock control of consumables.
• Hazardous Chemical Substance Controller (legal appointment).

Training

• Training of staff and students on the use of specialist equipment.

Research assistance

• Assistance in undergraduate, postgraduate student and research projects.
• Assistance in external project management and execution.
• Ad hoc assistance with specialist analyses as support to selected projects and money stream 3 / 5 activities.

• A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (NQF level 7/8).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ laboratory management experience.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ analytical experience.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• A master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related (NQF level 9).
• Registerable for statutory body relevant to the field.
• Appointable as HCSC, and various OHS roles.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ OHS management experience.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• General laboratory operations, including analysis processes.
• Skills and experience in advanced analytical equipment.
• Chemicals handling and MSDS knowledge.
• Administrative skills.
• Proficient in key equipment of the group, such as GC-MS, HPLC, Ultimate analysis, fibre analysis and ICP.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong leadership and managerial skills.
• Good communicator.
• Ability to train and guide students.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:                 Prof. Hein Neomagus on 018 299 1991

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mrs. Fadilha Minty on 018 299 4993

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                  14 October 2025

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                       1 February 2026

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

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