Analytical Chemistry Lead

As the Analytical Chemistry Lead, you report to the Head of Crop Nutrition. Initially the role will be responsible for assisting the Head of Crop Nutrition in commissioning a cutting-edge analytical soils laboratory. Once commissioned, the role will be responsible for leading a team of skilled analysts, overseeing advanced soil, leaf tissue, and mill byproduct and chemical testing processes for nutrient management planning, and ensure that results are accurate, timely, and meaningful.

Crop fertilization strategies at Merauke Sugar Group are based on the ‘6 Easy Steps’ system used in Australia. It is optimized for sugar productivity rather than maximum cane yield and features lower nitrogen rates than traditionally used in the Indonesian industry. Soil amelioration products and fertilizer rates are based on soil testing results and fine-tuned using elemental analysis of leaf tissue conducted in a dedicated analytical laboratory at the Sermayam site. The role includes responsibility for managing soil and leaf tissue composition analysis for generating nutrient management planning recommendations following the ‘6 Easy Steps’ guidelines. The role will also support GPA’s Head of Crop Nutrition in accomplishing overall program goals. The role will have a mix of laboratory and office-based work and includes supervision of assistant chemical analysts.

Job Description:

1. Lead development of annual work plans and budget for the analytical soils laboratory and actively monitor and report progress.

2. Manage procurement, inventory and maintenance of lab consumables and equipment.

3. Oversee and manage all analytical soils laboratory processes of soil, leaf tissue, mill byproduct and water samples.

4. Ensure proper functioning and calibration of laboratory equipment.

5. Collaboratively develop and communicate sampling and processing schedules of soil and leaf tissue surveys, water samples and mill byproducts to relevant R&D staff.

6. Collaboratively develop, manage and communicate fertilizer product QA sampling schedule.

7. Identify and test new technologies and techniques with the potential to improve laboratory precision and productivity.

8. Develop and maintain SOPs for laboratory instruments and procedures.

9. Conduct periodic audits to ensure adherence to SOPs and good laboratory practices.

10. Develop and communicate reports on mill byproduct results to Mills & Distillery department.

11. Lead reporting on on fertilizer product QA results to Head of R&D and to Procurement.

Requirements:

1. You have masters’ degree or higher in Chemistry, Soil Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field; PhD degree is a plus.

2. You have at least eight years of professional experience in analytical chemistry, with at least two years in a supervisory or managerial role.

3. Strong knowledge of soil chemistry and agricultural nutrient management.

4. Hands-on expertise with laboratory instruments including ICP-OES, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FIA, and Combustion Analyzer.

5. Proven expertise in fertilizer product quality assessment is desirable.

6. Familiar with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data integrity best practices.

7. Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in managing and training staff.

8. Strong written and verbal communication skills with a track record of maintaining detailed technical data.

9. Ability to work under pressure and achieve production targets.

10. Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.

11. Proactive, collaborative, and safety-conscious approach.