Analyst

Department Description/Departement Beskrywing

Central Analytical Facility

BIOGRIP Soil and Water Node

Analyst: MC ICP-MS Unit (Post Level 9)

(Two-year fixed-term contract)

(Stellenbosch Campus)

Ref. SAF/390/0926

The aim of the Central Analytical Facility (CAF) at Stellenbosch University (SU) is to ensure optimal utilisation of expensive multi-user research equipment in service of the research

community of the University, and the South African research and development sector in general. The MC ICP-MS laboratory of the BIOGRIP Soil and Water Analysis Node performs isotope

analysis on a wide range of sample material from environmental and earth science studies, with the primary focus currently on in-situ sampling via laser ablation. The Unit provides internal

as well as external academic users with access, support and training in state-of-the-art equipment and the necessary expertise to enable the scientific community to conduct and advance

their research. In addition, the Unit also provides a service to industry clients.

Duties/Pligte

• Performing day to day operation of analytical equipment and assisting with method development and data processing.
• Providing training and guidance to postgraduate students and staff in sample preparation, analytical techniques and data interpretation.
• Providing administrative support to the Unit manager.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• MSc in earth science with a strong scientific background in stable isotope systems.
• Knowledge of setting up analytical instruments and laboratory techniques.
• At least one year's experience with isotope analysis and data processing using MC ICP-MS.
• At least one year's experience with sample preparation for MC ICP-MS analysis of radiogenic or stable isotope analysis.
• Computer literate with the ability to use the Internet, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), Windows and statistical programs.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to assist clients and students from all disciplines with queries.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Good organisational skills in managing laboratory workflows and timely completion of projects.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical and interpretive ability.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work accurately.
• The ability to deliver high quality outputs timeously.
• Instrument experience requirements: Exposure to laser ablation ICP-MS and isotope data processing.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• Work experience with water and soil analysis.
• Experience with in-situ isotope analysis using LA MC ICP-MS.

How To Apply/Hoe Om Aansoek Te Doen

#PSS

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three references), must reach the University before or on the closing date in the advertisement.

Apply online at https://www.su.ac.za/en/careers-su by clicking "Apply now" at the top to the right of the page for the specific vacancy.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires people in occupations that entail potential exposure to certain hazards (such as noise, hazardous chemical substances and hazardous biological agents) to undergo medical screening to determine whether they be fit to work in those occupations.

If you have received no feedback from the University after four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application was unsuccessful.

Enquiries/Navrae

Enquiries about this post: Dr J Colling on 021 808 4320, or at jcolling@sun.ac.za

Enquiries about remuneration/benefits and technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre, on 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch), or 021 938 9636 (Tygerberg), or at sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za

CurrencyZAR Commencement Date01-Nov-2026 Closing Date12-Oct-2026 Amount of Travel Work At Home