Laboratory Assistant

Introduction

This position will be based at Quality Laboratory Services (QLS), Kroondal, Rustenburg.

This position is responsible to support laboratory analytical activities by fire assay, nickel sulphate analysis and wet chemistry, and performing sample preparation procedures. The role ensures that samples are received and processed accurately, safely, and efficiently to enable reliable analytical results and maintain laboratory productivity within the various time constraints.

• Ensure compliance with Quality Laboratory Services Health and Safety responsibilities, legal and operational requirements
• Knowledge and understanding of Quality Management system (ISO/IEC 17025)
• Identify hazards and risk while performing daily tasks and take preventative measures
• Comply with provided systems, practices, methods, standards, and procedures of the job
• Conduct visual inspections of the work area to ensure workplace safety and good housekeeping
• Perform routine sampling or collection of samples in operational areas
• Perform sample preparation including crushing, splitting, milling, weighing, and drying of samples.
• Assist with fire assay sample preparation, including flux weighing, mixing, and fusion preparation.
• Assist with wet chemistry procedures such as reagent preparation, filtration, digestion, and titrations.
• Assist with the preparation and analysis of nickel sulphate samples according to laboratory procedures.
• Record and document sample preparation and analytical activities in laboratory worksheets or systems (LIMS)
• Ensure correct labelling, tracking, and storage of samples throughout the testing process.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment such as balances, ovens, furnaces, and hot plates
• Assist analysts or technicians during analytical procedures when required.
• Perform sieve sizing analyses on samples as part of sample preparation
• Inspection and first line fault finding of sampling equipment
• Daily inspection, cleaning and unblocking of sampling equipment and spillages caused by sampling equipment
• Cleaning of all laboratory equipment and instruments
• Completing sample checklists and logging of samples on the system
• Marking and labelling of sample tags and sample containers
• Storing of samples according to specifications and colour codes
• Perform all sample preparation as per Safe Work instructions to ensure accurate results to the Client and stakeholders
• Adhere to quality requirements, verifications, calibrations, certifications of equipment

• Grade 12 (Matric) with Mathematics and Science.
• A certificate or diploma in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Laboratory Practice or any relevant qualification will be advantageous.

• Minimum 2- 3 years’ experience in a mining, metallurgical, or analytical laboratory required.
• Experience with sample preparation and basic laboratory procedures will be advantageous.
• Exposure to fire assay, wet chemistry, or base metal analysis would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Equipment and Laboratory systems (ICP-OES, XRF, Leco, potentiometric titrators and Fire Assay etc.) and other mineral assays will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of the basic concepts of sample preparation, e.g. contamination, representative sample and integrity of a sample
• Good record keeping and documentation skills.
• English language proficiency
• Time management

• Experience in sample preparation in a laboratory will be advantageous
• Knowledge of the basic concepts of sample preparation, e.g. contamination, representative sample and integrity of a sample
• Experience in a Robotic Laboratory will be advantageous.
• Attention to detail, planning and organising and being a team player.
• Computer literate
• English language proficiency
• Time management