Section Head: Mineralogy

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Overseeing Mineralogy Section’s operations (X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Scanning Electron Microscope (SCM), Petrography, Mineral Separation and Ceramics laboratory), research and team management.
• Ensure adherence to an effective laboratory quality management system that is compliant to applicable ISO standards.
• Maintain and monitor quality control on all procedures employed in the section.
• Develop laboratory standard operating procedures and work instructions.
• Perform method validation on laboratory test methods and align them to international best practices.
• Ensure that the section produce accurate and validated analysis data.
• Maintain participation in proficiency testing programmes for the section’s test methods.
• Perform Root Cause Analysis to all non-conformances that are raised in the section.
• Implement corrective and preventative measures to all audit observations and findings.
• Ensure that occupational hazards are identified and that risks are assessed and eliminated, mitigated or managed as required by occupational health and safety legislation.
• Ensure that the laboratory environment is safe and free from harm.
• Conduct and supervise section related individual and/or cooperative research.
• Monitor and control operational expenditure of the section.
• Measure and Improve analysis turnaround times
• Supervise and develop staff with optimal knowledge and skills to deliver on the mandate of the Analytical Services Business Unit.
• Provides advanced scientific advice to the public and private sector organisations.
• Work closely with other CGS Business Units within scientific and support divisions to ensure successful execution of projects.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to independently conduct complex geo-scientific investigations and research (initiative, well organized, multitasking).
• Ability to interpret, evaluate and assess research data (analytical thinking).
• Ability to evaluate and assess research work and reports of other scientists.
• Ability to compile and present geo-scientific research investigations at national and international forums.
• Ability to develop and present geo-scientific project proposals (strategic thinking).
• Ability to manage a Mineralogy section team of scientists and technicians (initiate action).
• Ability to mentor and coach other scientists (Impact, influence and energize).
• Knowledge of ISO certification processes and standards.
• Ability to work according to Standard Operating Procedures and the consistent application thereof.
• Safety conscious.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• A minimum qualification of BSc Hons in Geology or any other relevant earth science qualification with a minimum of 13 years relevant experience, or
• MSc in Geology or any other relevant earth science qualification with 8 years relevant experience, or
• PhD in Geology or any other relevant earth science qualification with 5 years relevant experience.
• Certificate in ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or any relevant QMS standard.
• Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP.
• NRF rating is an added advantage.
• Valid drivers’ licence.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 and other relevant quality management systems.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
• Experience in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software.
• Computer literacy and familiar with the use of laboratory instrumentation operating sophisticated and dedicated software.
• Working experience of relevant methods and equipment.

The Council for Geoscience is committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity prescripts, preference will be given but not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. Females and people from previously disadvantaged groups and sectors are encouraged to apply.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.

All appointments are subject to positive vetting results.

The processing of your personal information by the Council for Geoscience will be done in accordance with the POPI Act 4 of 2013.

For enquiries, please contact us at recruitment@geoscience.org.za. Please note: Applications submitted to this email address and CGS social media platforms will not be considered.

Closing Date: 09 June 2026