Head: Fire Assay and Reference Material Group

Johannesburg, South AfricaFull-timeSeniorOn-sitePosted 22 Oct 2026

Job Overview

Mintek, South Africa’s national mineral research organisation, has a career opportunity for the Head: Fire Assay and Reference Material Group within its Analytical Chemistry Division in Randburg, Johannesburg (CareerJunction 2646164; closing 12 November 2026). The Head leads research and innovation in analytical chemistry by proposing appropriate work, leading technical output and developing a strong, solution-focused team that addresses the needs of industry and society.

The role combines scientific leadership with business-unit management: budgeting and CAPEX motivation, equipment tenders, revenue generation and cost recovery on projects, proposal writing to secure funding, publication outputs, SHEQ and quality compliance (including ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation), client engagement and staff mentoring, including postgraduate supervision. Deep expertise in platinum group metals analysis and in applying analytical chemistry to mining and metallurgical problems is central.

Key Responsibilities

Lead research and innovation in fire assay and reference materials within the Analytical Chemistry Division
Provide technical direction, ensure quality of technical outputs and drive journal and conference publication
Write proposals to secure funding and monitor project milestones against billing on multi-year projects
Prepare annual budgets, motivate CAPEX and run tender processes for equipment
Ensure revenue generation and cost recovery; monitor project expenditure against budget
Ensure all work complies with SHEQ standards and facilitate client survey assessments
Engage clients and collaborators and participate in technical forums and conferences
Set KPIs, run performance contracting and appraisals, and mentor, coach and supervise staff and postgraduates
Allocate people and instrumentation resources and ensure turnaround times are met

Required Qualifications

Minimum MSc in Chemistry/Science; PhD in Chemistry ideal
8–10 years’ analytical chemistry experience (12 years ideal) directly related to the role
Experience applying analytical chemistry to mining and metallurgical industry problems
Knowledge of platinum group metals (PGM) analysis
Interpretation of ICP-MS, ICP-OES and AAS analytical data
Experience of laboratories operating under ISO 17025 accreditation
Experience managing a sustainable analytical facility and operational management at business-unit level

Skills & Requirements

Analytical ChemistryFire AssayReference MaterialsPGM AnalysisICP-MS / ICP-OESAtomic Absorption SpectroscopyISO 17025Research LeadershipProposal WritingBudget & CAPEX ManagementSHEQ ComplianceTechnical Mentoring