Laboratory Technician – Analytical Chemistry (ISO 17025)

About the role

The Laboratory Technician will support the analytical laboratory in delivering accurate pesticide‑residue results for fresh produce, grains, nuts and related matrices. The role ensures compliance with ISO 17025 standards, maintains equipment, and provides timely service to internal and external customers.

Key responsibilities

• Validate and develop analytical methods, ensuring any changes are documented.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment; participate in proficiency testing.
• Perform internal verification of equipment and control laboratory environmental conditions.
• Register samples in LIMS, conduct QuEChERS extraction, and prepare chemicals, solutions, and reference standards.
• Weigh, homogenise, mix, filter, and analyse routine samples using chromatographic instrumentation.
• Prepare daily solvents and standards; set up instruments for pesticide analysis.
• Attend laboratory staff meetings and contribute to QMS (ISO 17025) implementation.
• Record non‑conformances, report irregularities, and ensure results meet quality‑control criteria.

Required profile

• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or a related field.
• Minimum 1 year experience in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and laboratory health‑safety knowledge.
• Ability to work under pressure with strong attention to detail.

Required skills

• QuEChERS extraction technique.
• Chromatographic instrumentation (e.g., GC, LC).
• LIMS usage for traceability (advantageous).
• ISO 17025 quality‑management system implementation.
• Equipment calibration and method validation.
• Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.