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Senior Laboratory Specialist (P001260) Readvertisement

Senior Laboratory Specialist (P001260) Readvertisement

North West UniversityPotchefstroom, North West, South Africa
3 days ago
Job description

Job title : Senior Laboratory Specialist (P ) Readvertisement

Job Location : North West, Potchefstroom

Deadline : November 30, 2025

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

  • The Senior Laboratory Specialist is responsible for ensuring excellence in research operations and scientific output through comprehensive oversight of technical infrastructure, training initiatives, and research activities.
  • This role entails overseeing the maintenance and operation of high-value analytical instrumentation by technical staff and students, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, reducing repair costs, and maximising research productivity.
  • Concurrently, the Senior Lab Specialist leads the development and implementation of standardised, high-quality operating procedures and training programs for routine and advanced analytical methodologies.
  • The role provides scientific consultation across all research phases, including experimental design, statistical methodology, data analysis, and quality control, to uphold consistency, accuracy, and scientific rigor.
  • Additionally, the role involves leading external collaborative research projects, thereby fostering the internationalisation of the research entity and driving increased publication output.
  • By integrating technical leadership with scientific expertise, the Senior Lab Specialist plays a pivotal role in maintaining a high-performing, globally connected research environment.
  • KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

    Operational activities

  • Supervise technical staff in daily operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of high-value analytical instrumentation.
  • Develop and enforce preventative maintenance schedules to minimise downtime / repair costs.
  • Optimise resource allocation and lab scheduling, prioritising high-impact projects.
  • Research and Innovation

  • Drive development / optimisation of analytical methods and improve data quality control and reproducibility.
  • Provide scientific consultation : advise on study design, sample preparation, method selection, data processing / statistical analysis, and quality control.
  • Co‑develop and maintain standardised data processing pipelines.
  • Lead / foster collaborative research projects (national / international); co‑author publications to increase output and internationalisation.
  • Teaching and Learning

  • Student training and post‑graduate (MSc and PhD) supervision.
  • Design high‑quality, standardised training programs for technical staff and students to promote quality control and regulatory practices.
  • Identify and facilitate external training opportunities when needed to align with industry standards.
  • Laboratory Administration

  • Effective and efficient inventory management and procurement to align with research priorities.
  • Maintain rigorous oversight of laboratory record‑keeping by ensuring regular and compliant logbook entries.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with application specialists and representatives to maximise technical support and drive innovation in laboratory practices.
  • Quality control

  • Adhering to ISO 17025 / Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards where applicable.
  • Drive continuous improvement in lab processes and data quality.
  • Lead the development, implementation and maintenance of quality management systems, including SOPs for all lab processes, data integrity checks, and regular internal audits.
  • Ad hoc tasks

  • As directed by the Director.
  • Occupational Health and Safety

  • Foster a safety‑focused culture by encouraging proactive risk identification, reporting, and shared accountability within the lab team (GLP, OHS and ethical research practices).
  • Minimum requirements

  • A PhD (NQF level 10) in Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the following areas :
  • Basic laboratory skills and management;

  • Gas‑ and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‑MS and LC‑MS);
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);
  • Bioenergetics and metabolic flux analysis (Seahorse XF and / or Oroboros O2k);
  • Human and animal metabolomics and bioenergetics; and
  • Data processing and statistical analysis
  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the supervision / co‑supervision of post‑graduate students.
  • RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES

  • Any academic qualification in Statistics with Biostatistics as an area of specialisation.
  • Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
  • Membership with professional bodies such as South African Association for Mass Spectrometry (SAAMS), Chromatography Society of South Africa (ChromSA) or Metabolomics South Africa (MSA).
  • KEY FUNCTIONAL / TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

  • Advanced knowledge of gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control.
  • Advanced knowledge of liquid chromatography‑mass spectrometry (LC‑MS) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control.
  • Advanced knowledge of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control.
  • Advanced knowledge of bioenergetics and metabolic flux analysis (Seahorse XF / Oroboros) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control.
  • Proven ability to derive robust biological insights from metabolomics and bioenergetics data through rigorous preprocessing and application of advanced statistical methods.
  • Skilled in sample preparation for diverse metabolomics platforms and bioenergetic analyses spanning cells, animal models, and human specimens.
  • Excellent computer skills with proven competency in mass spectrometric (MS), NMR, respirometry and metabolic flux software and data processing.
  • Record keeping of equipment booking, usage logs, results and quality documentation.
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
  • Language proficient in a multi‑lingual environment.
  • Strong publication record in metabolomics and bioenergetics research, underpinned by advanced knowledge in mammalian metabolic biochemistry.
  • Experience in post‑graduate supervision.
  • Ability to design and deliver effective training programs for staff and students, fostering skill development in lab techniques, safety practices, and adherence to regulatory standards.
  • BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

  • Ability to effectively work independently and in a team.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and consistency in executing complex tasks.
  • Ability to function under pressure.
  • Natural innovator who strives for ‘best practice’ and technical advancement.
  • Ability to build good interpersonal relationships and communicate effectively across diverse teams, fostering trust and facilitating knowledge exchange.
  • Apply by : 21 November 2025

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    Specialist Laboratory • Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa

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