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:
▪ Bachelors degree or Masters 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)