Cape Town City Centre: GC-MS/Analytical Chemist

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled GC-MS/Analytical Chemist to join our team in Cape Town City Centre. As the owner of our Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) instruments, you will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance of these instruments. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a dynamic team and contribute your expertise to the development of analytical methods for complex food matrices.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance of GC-MS instruments

• Perform routine and non-routine maintenance (filaments, seals, columns, pumps, values)

• Diagnose chromatographic and MS-related issues efficiently

• Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis with accurate interpretation of data (e.g. ghost peaks, carryover)

• Develop, validate, and optimize analytical methods for complex food matrices

• Support developers with analytical insights

• Maintain accurate documentation, records, and reports

• Calibrate instruments and ensure proper functioning

• Interpret results using laboratory software and identification systems (e.g., MassHunter, NIST, Wiley)

• Analyse volatile and semi-volatile compounds across real-world matrices

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including NPD, quality assurance, and production

• Sample preparation using appropriate techniques including solvent extraction, headspace GC, SPME

• Investigate and resolve analytical issues and deviations and conduct a root-cause analysis

• Ensure compliance with laboratory quality standards (e.g. ISO)

Requirements

• BSc in chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Food Science

• Minimum 2-3 years hands-on proven experience with GC-MS hardware and software within the food industry

• Strong understanding of:

+ Chromatography (column selection, flow, split ratios, temperature programming)

+ Mass spectrometry (ionization, fragmentation, tuning)

• Experience with the use of spectral libraries (NIST & Wiley)

• Good problem-solving, analytical skills with attention to detail and data integrity

• Hands-on GC-MS experience in a lab setting where you were responsible for data quality (not just running prebuilt methods)

• Experience with additional techniques (e.g., LC-MS)

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Ability to take ownership of the instrumentation

• Strong problem-solving mindset with focus on root-cause analysis, communication, and report-writing skills

Qualifications

None mentioned.

Salary & Benefits

Industry-related salary based on experience.