AssureCloud Pesticides Analyst Vacancy at Safety SA

Safety SA, through its specialized AssureCloud division, is recruiting an analytical and detail-driven Pesticides Analyst to join its testing laboratory operations in Cape Town. AssureCloud stands as a trusted provider of food safety, environmental testing, and quality verification services across Southern Africa. Operating within an accredited testing environment, this role plays an essential part in safeguarding consumer health, agricultural compliance, and environmental safety by testing sample matrices for pesticide residues.

The Pesticides Analyst is tasked with conducting high-precision chromatographic analyses on agricultural produce, food items, and environmental samples in strict compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards. Utilizing sophisticated analytical platforms including GC-MS and GC-MS/MS, the successful incumbent will execute sample preparations, method verifications, and data evaluations. This position provides an outstanding scientific platform for laboratory practitioners eager to contribute to technical excellence, regulatory conformance, and continuous laboratory quality improvement.

Key Responsibilities & Core Duties

• Perform routine and non-routine pesticide residue testing on food, environmental, and agricultural sample matrices.
• Conduct sample extraction and clean-up procedures using established analytical methodologies, including QuEChERS techniques.
• Prepare calibration standards, reference materials, reagents, and internal controls according to strict laboratory protocols.
• Operate, tune, calibrate, and maintain sophisticated GC-MS and GC-MS/MS analytical equipment.
• Process and evaluate chromatographic data, review ion ratios and retention times, and verify analytical calculations.
• Capture analytical findings accurately in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and draft technical reports.
• Comply with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation benchmarks, participate in proficiency testing, and assist with method validation studies.

Ideal Candidate Profile & Core Attributes

The role requires rigorous scientific discipline, an unwavering commitment to quality assurance, and methodical laboratory practice. You must possess sound troubleshooting abilities for analytical instrumentation, strong computational acumen for data verification, and the ability to deliver accurate analytical results under strict turnaround deadlines while upholding laboratory health and safety standards.

Learning, Mentorship & Career Progression

Working within AssureCloud provides deep operational exposure to internationally accredited testing methodologies and advanced instrumental analysis. Laboratory analysts receive ongoing technical mentorship, opportunities to contribute to method development, and clear career pathways leading toward senior analyst, technical signatory, or laboratory quality management roles.

Estimated Salary Range (Market Benchmark)

The hiring employer has not officially specified a salary for this position. Based on South African market data and industry benchmarks for an analytical chemist or junior laboratory analyst, the estimated remuneration is approximately R15,000 – R25,000 per month. Please note that this is an industry estimate and actual remuneration will be determined by the employer based on qualifications, experience, and internal pay structures.

How to Apply & Submission Guidelines

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application, detailed curriculum vitae, and relevant academic records through the AssureCloud recruitment portal. Applications close promptly on 9 November 2026. Early application is advised as submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

• Recognized qualification in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, or related natural sciences
• Practical knowledge or training in pesticide residue testing and extraction techniques (including QuEChERS)
• Familiarity with the operation, calibration, and basic maintenance of GC-MS or GC-MS/MS instrumentation
• Working comprehension of ISO/IEC 17025 quality management systems and laboratory standards
• Experience in data processing using chromatographic software and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Strong mathematical competence, accuracy in standard preparation, and adherence to laboratory safety protocols