Senior Chemist BxR R&D

JOB PURPOSE:
To support the Bauxite Residue R&D program by developing and conducting laboratory experiments, preparing and analysing raw materials, product intermediates, etc., and completing assignments related to investigative laboratory, pilot and field-based experimental programs in a timely, professional, and accurate manner or as directed by line manager.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Day-to-Day Operations

  • Develops, revises and implements new laboratory programs, tests and/or protocols.

  • Carries out day-to-day operations within Bauxite Residue R&D Pilot Plant facilities and various Analytical Laboratories to ensure that work processes are implemented as directed, and with full compliance with established policies, processes, and procedures.

  • Provides input to the Bauxite Residue R&D team in a proactive manner to support the interpretation of research activities and the making of improvements and solutions.

• Laboratory Compliance and Safety

  • Adheres to and implements testing, analytical and operating procedures as documented under ISO 9001, ISO14001 and OHSAS 18001, and laboratory safety procedures for dealing with large quantities of caustic soda-based samples, explosion hazards, toxic agents, acids and other corrosive substances.

  • Maintains the associated laboratory test data books, daily logs, and other records to ensure compliance with ISO quality system requirements.

• Chemical Analysis Services

  • Designs, plans and conducts simple laboratory experiments to test the physical and chemical characteristics or reactivity of sample raw materials, process intermediates, and final products.

  • Assists in devising sampling and analysis programs for new processes, trouble-shooting activities and environmental impact assessments.

  • Adapts and validates new analytical routines from pre-existing ones (e.g., solution analysis by ICP-OES) to meet research requirements, and grow the analytical breadth of the Bauxite Residue R&D Group as directed.

  • Performs routine analysis of samples using appropriate analytical methods and techniques to ensure timely completion of assigned work, in line with quality and operating standards.

  • Undertakes root cause analyses using all the available information and lab results to understand and solve or troubleshoot process issues.

  • Maintains comprehensive records and relevant interpretation of analytical data in the form of spreadsheets or documents and provides them to the Manager in a timely and accurate way.

  • Provides support during pilot plant operations, field trials or laboratory research programs by collecting samples and conducting routine tests in a timely, safe and professional manner.

• Laboratory Facility Management

  • Implements housekeeping procedures and tasks to maintain a hygienic and safe workplace.

  • Maintains records of stocked chemicals and their usage to assist in budgeting the analytical requirements of the Bauxite Residue R&D Group.

  • Maintains records of monthly analytical activities to document & evidence analytical requirements of the Bauxite Residue R&D Group.

• Development Plan Execution

  • Executes the set individual development plan, with emphasis on learning and development of Analytical Laboratory technical expertise, in order to continuously build and improve their capabilities.

• Safety, Quality & Environment

  • Implements all relevant safety, quality and environmental management policies, procedures and controls in order to ensure employee safety, quality outputs, legislative compliance and a responsible environmental attitude.

• Related Assignments

  • Performs other related duties or assignments as directed.

AUTHORITY / DECISION MAKING:

• Guidelines:

  • Thinking within established procedures, standards, precedents and specific objectives.

  • Direction of work is subject to general practices and procedures, output is managed.

  • Supports and participates in managing expenditures for the associated cost elements in the Bauxite Residue R&D cost centre(s).

• Problem Solving:

  • Utilizes knowledge of a wide range of analytical and research procedures with emphasis to provide problem-specific solutions for research programs and objectives.

  • Identifies where existing analytical tools or capabilities are insufficient and must be independently developed.

  • Development is concerned with procedural improvement, output is managed.

• Decision Making:

  • Specific procedures – interpretation of established precedents. Nature of problem and how to solve clearly defined.

  • Judgement required to identify problems; alternative solutions need to be analysed to arrive at the “right answer”.

  • Direction of work is subject to practices and procedures, output is managed.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Hydrometallurgy, Material Science, Process Chemistry, Geochemistry, Environmental/Aquatic Chemistry, Soil Chemistry or a related engineering field.

• Minimum Experience:

  • One to three years of experience in a chemical or research laboratory, managing analysis regimes for a chemical plant, supporting a research project through direct involvement in experimentation, sample preparation, and analysis or equivalent.

• Skills:

  • Demonstrated ability to conduct simple research through practical testing in a laboratory, greenhouse, field or similar or through literature studies.

  • Demonstrated understanding & application of descriptive statistics.

  • Attention to detail.

  • Ability to conduct repetitive/routine tasks.

  • Ability to deal with ambiguity.

  • Team working.

  • Time management and organising skills.

  • Ability to plan and document experiments.

  • Ability to consistently complete work against plan.

  • Excellent safety attitude.

  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Basic knowledge of all alumina refinery operating areas and chemical composition of products (desirable).

  • Good knowledge of Bayer process chemistry (desirable).