Chemist

Job description

Follow laboratory procedures as per written instructions. Use an applied approach in performing moderate/complex technological functions within various laboratory operations. Identify and sort allocated samples into an order which will eliminate contamination during processing and measuring procedures, i.e. samples with known low valued species are processed before those with known high values. Operate equipment and systems according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Check primary measuring equipment for damage and cleanliness, rejecting sub-standard items. Calibrates equipment using standard procedures to ensure that tolerance specifications are achieved., e.g. analytical balances, pipettes and burettes. Transfer each primary measure of material to clean equipment, numbered or identified in an identical sequence as recorded on the worksheet / logbook or Laboratory Information System (LIMS).

Records the actual mass or volume transferred for each sample. Use recorded information of primary measurements, dilutions and final measurements to calculate content of species in each sample and log this into the LIMS and / or Logbooks. Prepare solutions of chemical reagents required in the method of determination by accurate weighing and dilution. Add measured quantities of acids and reagents into the samples. Applies heating to dissociate chemical species from unwanted matrix components.

Dilute residual solution to a volume as specified in the correct sequence to condition specific chemical species for separation by precipitation and filtration or extraction into organic solvents. Separate solids for measurements weighing, by preparation of media, careful filtration, washing and drying to a constant mass or ensures evolved gasses are dissolved in reagent solution. Manually set switches and makes adjustments to measuring equipment to tune and optimise response for accuracy in determining each required chemical species.

Compiles calibration information by obtaining instrument measurements on reference materials of known value of species. Use recorded information of primary measurements, dilutions and final measurements to calculate content of species in each sample. Follow all company health, safety and environmental policies.

Qualifications

A post secondary education (degree and/or diploma) in a Science related program (Chemistry, Geochemistry, Biochemistry etc.) is required. Has to be able to write legibly and correct, understand numerical sequencing and sort numbers in sequence. Must be able to do calculations by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Must have a fair amount of manual dexterity (ease and skill in physical movement, especially in using the hands and manipulating objects).