Senior Technical Officer Job at Standards Association of Zimbabwe

Job Overview

The Standards Association of Zimbabwe is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Senior Technical Officer in the Chemical & Foods Technology Division. This opportunity is ideal for candidates seeking laboratory jobs in Zimbabwe, chemical analyst jobs, food science careers, quality assurance laboratory jobs, or technical officer vacancies in Harare.

The purpose of this role is to provide accurate, reliable, and timely analytical testing services through the effective selection, validation, and application of laboratory test methods. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory standards, contribute to quality management systems, and support continuous laboratory improvement initiatives.

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Job Details

Position: Senior Technical Officer
Department: Chemical & Foods Technology Division
Company: The Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ)
Location: Harare
Job Type: Full-Time
Industry: Laboratory Testing / Chemical Technology / Food Science
Application Deadline: 29 Dec 2026

Job Purpose

The Senior Technical Officer will support laboratory operations by delivering high-quality analytical testing services and ensuring compliance with laboratory accreditation standards. The role includes method development, instrument troubleshooting, quality assurance, and supervision of laboratory personnel.

This role suits professionals interested in laboratory technician jobs, food safety jobs, chemical laboratory careers, scientific testing jobs, quality management system jobs, and ISO laboratory compliance roles.

Key Duties and Responsibilities (Job Description)

The successful candidate will undertake the following responsibilities:

Laboratory Testing & Analysis

• Select, appraise, develop, and validate analytical and laboratory test methods.
• Conduct testing on a wide range of samples, including:
  • Raw materials
  • Ingredients
  • Finished products
• Ensure accurate analysis and interpretation of laboratory results.

Instrument Operation & Troubleshooting

• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot advanced analytical laboratory instruments, including:
  • ICP-OES
  • UHPLC
  • GC-MS
  • XRF
• Ensure instruments remain functional and compliant with testing requirements.
• Support laboratory equipment maintenance and performance optimization.

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Quality Assurance & ISO Compliance

• Implement and maintain laboratory systems in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Ensure effective quality assurance practices across all laboratory activities.
• Participate in inter-laboratory comparison programmes and proficiency testing schemes.
• Perform technical signatory responsibilities for accredited laboratory scopes.

Method Development & Validation

• Participate in method development, testing optimization, and analytical validation.
• Apply sample preparation techniques such as:
  • Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)
  • Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE)

Staff Supervision & Training

• Supervise, mentor, and train junior laboratory staff.
• Provide guidance on testing methodologies, laboratory procedures, and compliance standards.
• Support continuous staff development and laboratory skills improvement.

Documentation & Standards Development

• Compile, review, and evaluate laboratory test reports to ensure technical accuracy and quality.
• Maintain and update:
  • Laboratory reference materials
  • Technical standards
  • Scientific literature
• Contribute to standards development activities as a technical specialist.

Additional Technical Responsibilities

• Support laboratory quality improvement initiatives.
• Promote best practices in food technology, chemical testing, and scientific laboratory management.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational requirements.

Education Requirements

Applicants must possess:

Required Qualification

• BSc (Hons) Degree in:
  • Chemical Technology
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Food Science
  • Or an equivalent qualification

Preferred Additional Skills

• Computer literacy and strong reporting skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is an advantage.

Experience Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a testing laboratory
• Practical experience in operating and troubleshooting analytical instruments
• Proven exposure to:
  • Method development
  • Analytical validation
  • Laboratory quality assurance systems
  • Sample preparation procedures

Added Advantages

The following will be an added advantage:

• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation systems
• Experience with LIMS
• A valid Clean Class 4 Driver’s License

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Salary and Benefits

Salary: Competitive / Not Disclosed

Compensation and additional employment benefits will be communicated to shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.

Potential employment benefits may include:

• Professional development opportunities
• Technical laboratory training
• Career progression pathways
• Exposure to accredited laboratory systems
• Skills enhancement in analytical instrumentation

Training and Professional Development

The selected candidate may receive practical exposure and ongoing professional training in:

• ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory compliance
• Analytical instrumentation and calibration
• Laboratory quality management systems
• Food safety and chemical testing standards
• Method validation and technical documentation
• Laboratory supervision and staff mentoring

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above criteria should submit:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A formal application letter
• Relevant supporting qualifications and documents

Application Deadline

29 Dec 2026

Equal Opportunity Statement

SAZ is committed to an inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all applicants.

Please Note: Only shortlisted candidates are likely to be contacted during the recruitment process.