Associate Chemist

Lunch Provided

Transport provided

Eligible to OT pay

AWS and Bonus

Element has an opportunity for Associate Chemist for testing, sample preparation and delivery/collection of samples and preparation of test reports.

Job Summary

We are looking for a motivated and technically competent Associate Chemist to join our Water Chemistry Laboratory. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing chemical analysis of water, wastewater and related environmental samples, operating and maintaining analytical instruments, ensuring compliance with approved test methods and quality requirements, and supporting laboratory operations.

The role requires a hands-on chemist with good analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage routine testing while maintaining high standards of data quality and laboratory safety.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Water & Wastewater Analysis

• Perform chemical analysis of water, wastewater and environmental samples in accordance with approved test methods, laboratory procedures and relevant standards.
• Carry out sample preparation, digestion, dilution, extraction and other preparation procedures as required.
• Perform routine and non-routine analysis for various water chemistry parameters.
• Ensure samples are properly identified, prepared and analysed within the required turnaround time.
• Review analytical results and identify abnormal or unexpected results for further investigation.

2.Analytical Instrumentation

• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory analytical equipment, including but not limited to:

Ion Chromatography (IC) – analysis of anions/cations and other ionic parameters.

• Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analyzer – determination of TOC, TC, TIC and related parameters.
• Flow Injection Analyzer (FIA) – automated determination of parameters such as nutrients and other chemical constituents.
• UV-Vis spectrophotometers.
  pH, conductivity, turbidity and other water quality meters.
  Other analytical instruments used within the Water Chemistry Laboratory.
• Instrument start-up, calibration, system suitability and routine performance checks.
• Preparation and verification of calibration standards, reagents and QC samples.
• Routine instrument maintenance, cleaning and troubleshooting.
• Monitoring instrument performance and identifying instrument-related issues.
  Maintaining instrument records, maintenance logs and analytical records.
  Liaising with equipment vendors/service engineers for major troubleshooting, servicing and repairs where required.

3. Quality Control & ISO/IEC 17025

• Perform calibration and quality control checks in accordance with approved methods.
• Analyse blanks, duplicates, laboratory control samples, reference materials and other QC samples as applicable.
• Monitor QC performance and investigate QC failures or abnormal trends.
• Ensure all raw data, calculations and analytical results are accurately recorded and traceable.
• Comply with laboratory quality management systems and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Participate in method verification, validation and measurement uncertainty activities where required.
• Assist in investigations relating to non-conforming work, complaints and audit findings.

4. Method Implementation & Development

• Implement new analytical methods and testing parameters.
• Conduct method verification and validation according to laboratory requirements.
• Optimise analytical procedures, instrument conditions and sample preparation techniques.
• Evaluate new analytical technologies and recommend improvements to laboratory methods.
• Prepare and update technical documents, work instructions and analytical procedures.

5. Data Review & Reporting

• Review analytical data for accuracy, completeness and compliance with QC requirements.
• Perform calculations and data interpretation where required.
  Prepare test results and supporting documentation for reporting.
• Ensure data integrity and proper traceability of analytical results.
• Support the preparation and review of laboratory reports.

6.Laboratory Operations & Safety

• Ensure chemicals, reagents, standards and consumables are properly prepared, labelled and stored.
• Monitor inventory and raise requests for chemicals and consumables when required.
• Maintain good laboratory housekeeping and 5Spractices.
• Follow Risk Assessments, Safe Work Procedures and laboratory safety requirements.
• Ensure proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals and laboratory waste.
• Report equipment abnormalities, incidents, spills and unsafe conditions promptly.

7. Team& Operational Support

• Work closely with laboratory technicians and other chemists to ensure efficient sample workflow.
• Provide technical guidance and training to technicians and junior chemists where required.
• Support laboratory workload planning and ensure testing is completed within required turnaround times.
• Participate in internal and external proficiency testing programmes where applicable.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Senior Chemist or Laboratory Manager.

Requirements:

• Diploma/ Degree in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in a water, wastewater, environmental or analytical chemistry laboratory will be an advantage.
• Hands-on experience with analytical instrument or automated wet chemistry systems.
• Experience with UV-Vis spectrophotometry and other water chemistry instrumentation.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater analytical methods and relevant standards.
• Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025-accreditedlaboratory will be an advantage.