job Description

The Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Senior Technical Officer in the Chemical & Foods Technology Division. The purpose of the job is to provide accurate, reliable, and timely analytical testing services through effective selection, validation, and application of test methods, while ensuring full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and contributing to continuous improvement of laboratory quality systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Select, appraise, develop, and validate analytical/test methods.
• Conduct testing on a wide range of samples including raw materials, ingredients, and finished products.
• Supervise, mentor, and train laboratory staff.
• Implement and maintain the laboratory management system in line with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Ensure effective quality assurance across all laboratory activities.
• Compile test reports and evaluate their quality.
• Perform technical signatory duties for accredited scopes.
• Participate in inter-laboratory comparison and proficiency testing programmes.
• Contribute to standards development as a technical expert.
• Maintain and update laboratory reference materials, standards, and technical literature.

Qualifications and Experience

• BSc (Hons) Degree in Chemical Technology, Applied Chemistry, Food Science or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a testing laboratory.
• Practical experience in operating and troubleshooting analytical instruments (ICP-OES, UHPLC, GC-MS, XRF).
• Knowledge of sample preparation techniques (SPE, LLE).
• Experience in method development and validation.
• Computer literate with good communication skills.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and/or LIMS is an added advantage.
• Clean Class 4 driver’s license is an added advantage.