JOB DESCRIPTION
Laboratory Chemist & Quality Manager

Position Title:

Laboratory Chemist & Quality Manager (Geotechnical Testing)

Department:

Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory

Reports To:

Laboratory Manager / General Manager

Position Type:

Full-Time

About Sarathy Geotech

Sarathy Geotech is a leading geotechnical engineering and consultancy company with over 18 years of experience. The company provides specialized services across geotechnical investigations, foundation and pile testing, offshore surveys, soil and rock testing, and engineering consultancy, with operations across India and the Middle East.

Role Objective

We are seeking a versatile Laboratory Chemist & Quality Manager to join our geotechnical testing laboratory in Abu Dhabi. In this dual-capacity role, you will perform chemical testing on soil samples (sulphates, chlorides, carbonates, and pH) while simultaneously acting as the Quality Manager to maintain our ISO/IEC 17025 and ENAS accreditations. Additionally, you will undergo structured technical training to expand your capabilities into geotechnical soil testing.

Key Responsibilities

1. Chemical Testing & Analysis (Core Role)

· Perform routine quantitative chemical analysis of soil samples, focusing on sulphates, chlorides, carbonate contents, and pH levels.

· Prepare soil specimens (drying, grinding, sieving) and prepare standard reagents, aqueous extracts, or acid-soluble solutions.

· Operate and maintain analytical instruments, including pH meters, spectrophotometers, titrators, and analytical balances.

2. Quality Management (ISO 17025 / ENAS Compliance)

· Maintain the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) in strict compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and ENAS requirements.

· Author, review, update, and control laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality manuals, and technical documents.

· Manage Internal Audits, identify non-conformances, track compliance metrics, and implement robust Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs).

· Oversee the Equipment Calibration and Verification Program, ensuring all testing instruments possess valid, unbroken metrological traceability certificates.

· Coordinate Proficiency Testing (PT) programs and Inter-Laboratory Comparisons (ILC) to validate ongoing laboratory testing competency.

· Serve as the primary technical liaison and host during external compliance assessments conducted by ENAS or other accreditation bodies.

3. Undergo Training on Soil testing

· Undergo structured, hands-on technical training to qualify as a Geotechnical Laboratory Technician and support in testing soil samples as and when necessary.

Qualifications & Experience

· Education: Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc.) in Chemistry or a closely related chemical science field.

· Core Experience: 1–3 years of chemical testing of civil materials/soils laboratory experience. Entry-level chemistry graduates with exceptional academic/testing laboratory credentials and high learning agility are welcome to apply.

· Quality Management Experience (Highly Desired): Prior practical experience working within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited framework (ENAS), managing quality documentation, or participating in internal/external laboratory audits is highly preferred and strongly desired.

· Training & Certifications (Preferred/Required): Possession of a formal certificate of attendance/completion for an ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Auditor training program is highly desired. (Note: If not already held, completing this certification will be a mandatory training milestone during the initial onboarding period prior to formal appointment).

Technical Skills & Competencies

· Quality Assurance: Foundational understanding of laboratory auditing, document control, root cause analysis, and uncertainty of measurement concepts.

· Analytical Techniques: Mastery of basic wet chemistry techniques including titration, gravimetric analysis, and potentiometry.

· Adaptability & Learning Agility: A willingness to learn geotechnical testing to be able to support.

· Organization & Independence: Exceptional record-keeping skills required to manage complex compliance documentation while reporting directly to top management on quality matters.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

· Ability to stand for extended periods at chemical testing benches and physical soil testing stations.

· Ability to safely lift soil sample bags or chemical containers weighing up to 5 kg.

· Comfortable splitting time between the laboratory floor (handling soils and chemicals with proper PPE) and an office desk managing compliance records.