Associate Scientist - Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry, Pretoria

Responsibilities Under general guidance, the Associate Scientist, Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry, is responsible for leading multiple R&D projects within or across functions, running an analytical lab comprising LC and GC instrumentation, and providing internal services to QC, R&D, and CLS. You will collaborate and assist with the planning, development, and implementation of research studies/projects, and LC/GC services, with a focus on analytical method development and innovation. This includes both hypothesis- and discovery-driven R&D projects and lab services focused on toxins, peptides, lipids, organic acids, antioxidants, vitamins, phytogenics, and their related biochemical pathways and biomarkers. A clear understanding of analytical chemistry and proven research experience in separating, identifying, and quantifying biological molecules in complex biological matrices are key for this position.

You will design and independently execute research methods, protocols, studies, and projects. You will analyze, evaluate, and interpret data, and contribute as appropriate to the creation of reports and presentations associated with research findings. He/she may identify and participate in external research collaborations.

The position’s primary responsibility is to drive and execute analytical-method innovation and development projects that deliver the required outputs, leading to predefined commercial outcomes. As an expert in the field, you will serve as a technical and scientific resource within Kemin and take responsibility for achieving the team’s KPIs.

Research Planning&Developing

Collaborate with marketing and innovation teams to build, run, and maintain a unique analytical platform that proves pivotal for novel products and services. Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to support research hypotheses and experimental design. Identify and participate in external research collaborations.

Develop and optimize LC/GC methods that support and improve the product and service portfolio. Independently perform advanced data analysis and review other’s data to provide actionable insights.

Contribute to grant proposals, research plans, and scientific publications and presentations.

Provide instructions and training to interns and junior staff.

Laboratory Operations and Instrumentation Stewardship

Operational efficiency and cost control: throughput management, consumable savings, minimizing re-analyses, minimizing downtime, and stock control.

Front-end maintenance of instrumentation (e.g., replacing seals, stripping clean and reassembling ion sources, changing vacuum oil, changing wearable parts, etc.) based on usage.

Rapid troubleshooting and system failure diagnosis: ability to locate and resolve LC and GC platform issues.

Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, implementation and ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and ISO standards.

Act as the main point of contact for all LC, GC, and MS hardware and software.

Establish and optimize robust analytical LC/GC platforms to identify trace-level analytes in complex matrices, to perform biomarker analyses, molecular characterization, and high-throughput analyses.

Lead the transition of assays from R&D into routine services.

Develop specialized sample preparation, separation, ionization, and MS/MS protocols to address complex analytical challenges.

Data Management&Analysis to improve scientific footprint

Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical methods and software.

Prepare comprehensive reports, presentations, and scientific manuscripts.

Ensure data integrity, quality control, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Contribute to the interpretation of results and formulation of conclusions that can be translated into marketing collaterals.

Project Implementation&Coordination

Manage multiple research projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, operations, and external collaborators.

Train and mentor junior laboratory staff and students.

Qualifications Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry with 10 years of practical LC/GC experience, OR

Master's degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry with 7 years of practical LC/GC experience, OR

PhD in Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry or closely related field with 5 years of practical LC/GC experience

Technical Expertise

Hardware proficiency: proven hands-on expertise in GC-EI-MS method development, LC-ESI-MSMS method development and LC-APcI-MSMS method development.

Good understanding of the physical and technical concepts of LC, GC, and MS.

Good understanding of stationary phase and mobile phase chemistry.

Photo spectrometric and mass spectrometric literacy, ability to relate spectral patterns with molecular characteristics.

Software proficiency: advanced experience with LC/GC and MS vendor software (e.g., Chromeleon, MassLynx, MassHunter, Analyst, Sciex OS…) and a clear understanding of related AI applications.

Analytical diligence: uncompromising eye for detail and data quality.

Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature.

Practical experience in the agro- and or feed/food additive industry

Experience with NIR, FTIR, NMR, XRF

Experience with metabolomics and/or proteomics analytical workflows

Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Scientific Rigor: Commitment to reproducibility, accuracy, and ethical research practices.

Innovation: Ability to develop creative solutions to research challenges.

Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to evolving research priorities and methodologies.

Time Management: Capability to prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines.

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