Officer: (post level 10/11)

Job Title Officer: (post level 10/11) (Job ID: 6093) Organizational Unit University of the Free State - > Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences - > Department Chemistry Contract Type Permanent Occupational Level Semi-Skilled Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary) Closing Date 16/4/2025 Description Duties and responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain different analytical equipment in the Chemistry department, which includes ICP-OES/MS, TGA, DSC, porosity analyzer, and XRD powder diffractometer.
• Analyse chemical and material samples for the researchers, post-graduate students, post doctoral fellows, graduate students, researchers of other departments on campus, and industrial and commercial collaborators
• Train post-graduate students on equipment operations
• Provide Safety support as a member of the Safety Committee
• Maintain ICP-OES/MS, TGA, DSC, porosity analyzer, and XRD powder diffractometer to ensure their proper functioning.
• Responsible for regular stock taking of essential chemicals and monitor equipment.
• Manage the space in the Laboratory where equipment is kept.
• Write data analysis reports for every analysis.
• Request an appraisal of quotations for new equipment, services, maintenance, and other running expenses.
• Schedule timely reports and follow up on job requests

Inherent requirements:

• A B.Sc. Honours degree on NQF level 8 with specialization in Analytical Chemistry or related Chemistry.
• A minimum of two years experience in the operation and maintenance of ICP-OES/MS and/or TGA and/or DSC and/or porosity analyser and/or XRD powder diffractometer

Recommendations:

• A Masters degree on NQF level 9 with a specialization in Analytical Chemistry or related Chemistry
• Equipment management and one year of commercial/academic laboratory experience.
• Experience in Laboratory and Safety Training.

Competencies Required competencies:

• Results oriented.
• The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing ones task.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic thinking.
• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• Business Acumen:
• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge/understanding of chemical analyses and interpretation of data.
• Leading.
• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• Building coalitions
• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications or proof of qualifications obtained (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (SA ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if required).
• A copy of your drivers license (if required).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties: 1 May 2025 or as soon as possible. Closing date: 16 April 2025 Salary: The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R447 323.31 - R562 750.48 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications. Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits. Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 9813 or email at PhokaR@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979/ 9810/ 9814/ 9848 for assistance. General: The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at : EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA. The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful