GC-MS/Analytical Chemist

Recruiter:

Elchemie

Job Ref:

JHB000045/SvdM

Date posted:

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Location:

Cape Town, South Africa

Salary:

30 000 Monthly

SUMMARY:

Job Title: GC-MS, Analytical Chemist

Location:

Killarney, Western Cape

Industry: Food and Flavor manufacturing

Type:

Permanent /

Environment: Stable Laboratory environment with modern instrumentation

About The Role

Trusted South African supplier specializing in high-quality fruit preparations, syrups, juice concentrates, speciality ingredients, value-adding blends, etc. for the dairy and drinks industries has a vacancy for a hands-on GC-MS Chemist with a degree in Chemistry and a minimum of 2 years proven experience with GC-MS hardware and software within the food industry.

POSITION INFO:

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own the operation, maintenance troubleshooting and performance of the Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) instruments.
• Perform routine and non-routine maintenance (filaments, seals, columns, pumps, values)
• Diagnose chromatographic and MS-related issued 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) at a later stage

What You’ll Need

• BSc in chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science
• Minimum 2 – 3 years hands on proven experience with GC-MS hardware and software within the food industry (e.g. know the difference between dirty sources and bad column)
• Strong understanding of: Chromatography (column selection, flow, split ratios, temperature programming) and 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
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Column selection and chromatographic optimisation with practical understanding of retention indices
• Understanding flavor or aroma chemistry

A few Things to Know

• QC-MS Laboratory-based within food industry
• Exposure to chemicals, solvents and real complex analytical challenges
• Stable laboratory environment with modern instrumentation
• Requires adherence to strict safety and quality protocols
• Normal working hours : 08:00 – 17:00
• Industry related salary based on experience.

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