Research Scientist

Company Description

Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals (PGMs), with integrated mining, smelting, and refining operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, marketing the metal we produce globally. Following our demerger from Anglo American plc, Valterra Platinum is now an independent, publicly listed company with a primary and secondary listing on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges respectively.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, Valterra Platinum is positioned to define and pursue its own strategy, anchored in operational excellence, sustainability, and value creation for the long-term. With full accountability for our performance and growth, we are focused on strengthening our capabilities across the entire PGM value chain, from mine to market.

Our independence empowers us to deepen our commitment to stakeholders and lead with purpose – to Unearth Value to Better Our World. We remain steadfast in our ambition to be the world’s foremost producer of platinum group metals, while embedding safety and sustainability in everything we do.

If you’re driven by purpose and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join us. Apply today and be part of something bigger.

Location:

144 Oxford Road, Melrose.

The role will require regular travel and work at the Valterra site laboratories located in Polokwane, Rustenburg and Zimbabwe.

Provide advanced technical support to Valterra Platinum sites by delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions aimed at improving analytical quality, turnaround times, and cost efficiency.

• Create a safety culture through productive and authorized operational systems/processes that allow all employees (including contracting partners) to provide their outputs in a risk‑controlled environment. Oversee consistent application of Safety & Health principles in all discipline interactions and take personal responsibility for safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities.

• Provide expert technical support to Valterra Platinum laboratories to optimize and continuously improve laboratory operations.
• Deliver specialist analytical support to sites and advise on emerging technologies in Analytical Chemistry.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Execute technical projects and ensure continuous improvement through optimization of analytical methods.
• Collaborate with laboratory managers to develop technical capabilities and personnel skills within the department.
• Contribute to the design and content of training modules.
• Monitor project progress, resource allocation, and alignment with operational priorities.
• Liaise with internal clients to ensure projects address operational needs and opportunities.
• Prepare and motivate cost-benefit analyses for research initiatives and secure necessary funding.

• Assist with commissioning and optimization of analytical instruments.
• Provide technical guidance on analytical methods and equipment selection.
• Research and develop alternative analytical methods to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure analytical techniques across the group are cost-effective and aligned with industry standards.
• Identify and initiate projects that support operational improvements.
• Compile accurate technical reports and prepare ad‑hoc reports for management and stakeholders.
• Establish procedures for non‑standard work requirements and ensure data integrity and security.

• Implement a purpose‑driven, high‑performing culture that is aligned with the company values, is inclusive and promotes diversity, supports engagement and fosters continuous improvement to work processes.
• Support operational performance of multidisciplinary teams and maintain strong collaboration with site teams for project execution.
• Build strategic relationships with research institutions to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Develop trust‑based partnerships with internal and external service providers and clients.

• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory, legislative…