Senior Laboratory Technicians

Vacancies have arisen in our ISO 17025 accredited chemical laboratory at Kaiseraugst, Switzerland.  These are temporary or permanent, full time positions, at our Senior Laboratory Technician level, suitable for senior chemists with technical backgrounds and commercial laboratory analytical experience. 

The work involves preparation and testing samples of oil, lubricants, fuel, etc., and reporting of the results to clients, in line with Quality Assurance Standards.  Also, in the absence of the Laboratory Manager, when nominated, the job holder shall carry out the day to day running of the laboratory and supervising personnel’s adherence to company policy and procedures.  Some of the duties are listed below:

• preparation of chemical solvent and control/calibration of samples;
• preparation of test samples and sample testing;
• maintaining quality control checks;
• interpreting test results;
• checking test results, producing/checking test reports prior to their despatch to the client, and client liaison as required;
• assisting with purchasing as required;
• maintaining good laboratory practices and carrying out general housekeeping duties;
• disposal of used chemicals and test samples (part of the work may involve physical lifting and the wearing of a respirator).

We are looking for applicants who are enthusiastic, motivated, with a willingness to learn, who are able to use their initiative, and think independently. The successful candidate should:

• hold a degree in a scientific discipline, normally Chemistry;
• have a technical background and substantial analytical experience in the oil industry of not less than three years;
• have test method and equipment specialist experience in line with the Company’s systems, and specifically determination of: -
  • Total Base Number (TBN) - based on ASTM D2896 / IP276,
  • IpH / pH in Petroleum Products or Lubricating Oils / Coolants,
  • and reporting of Debris Content Extracted from Filter Elements, using SEM / EDX,
  • Size and Number of Particles (diluted / non-diluted), - based on ISO4406,
  • Neutralisation Number by Colour Indicator Titration - based on ASTM D974,
  • Total Acid Number (TAN) - using Metrohm 855 and OMNIS equipment to ASTM D664,
  • VIS using Mini QV, Houillon, UltraVis, SVM - based on ASTM D445 / D7279 / D7042,
  • PQ using AnalexpqL,
  • Density & SG using Anton-Paar - based on ASTM D4052 / D5002
  • Conductivity – based on ASTM D 2624,
  • RULER using Fluitec View – based on ASTM D6971,
  • Chemical analysis, using the Honeywell Zing Soap methodology / software,
  • Flash by Eralytics, - based on ASTM D7094 / D93C
• be a careful and methodical worker;
• be able to prioritise and work to deadlines, and be prepared to work outside the standard working hour week to ensure that operations are continuously supported;
• be able to work in a team and communicate with all levels of staff and clients in English - local language would also be useful;
• be PC literate, and familiar with and committed to quality assurance.

Experience with Honeywell Zing Soap software and associated procedures would also be preferred.

You will be joining a stable and well-established organisation offering a very comfortable working environment with a purpose-built laboratory facility. In the busy laboratory and your day-to-day tasks, over time you will have the opportunity to use a variety of test methods and equipment. Further details are available at www.spectro-oil.com/laboratory-services.html.

Please apply with your latest detailed CV, a covering note, and an indication of your salary expectations, via email to: recruitment@spectro-oil.com.