Senior Chemist / Laboratory Supervisor – Petroleum Testing

About the role

The position is responsible for executing analytical programs in a petroleum testing laboratory, ensuring all activities meet international standards, client expectations, and regulatory requirements. The role also supports continuous improvement of technical skills, data integrity, and quality assurance processes.

Key responsibilities

• Perform laboratory tests on petroleum products (crude oil, heavy fuel oil, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, water) following ASTM, ISO, IP and local Angolan specifications.
• Record, interpret, and report test results, producing formal test reports.
• Participate as a technical expert in internal, client and ISO 17025 accreditation audits.
• Act as deputy to the lab manager, coordinating shifts, work groups and validation of results.
• Maintain ISO 17025 accreditation, calibrate instruments and oversee calibration procedures.
• Implement statistical quality control programs to satisfy ISO 17025 requirements.
• Provide analytical advice and timely reports to refinery operations.
• Ensure compliance with HSE regulations, company policies and all relevant external regulations.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• 7‑10 years of experience in a petroleum refinery or petrochemical testing laboratory.
• Hands‑on experience in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of petroleum refining processes and relevant test methods (ASTM, IP, ISO 8217, DEF STAN 91‑091, Naphtha Dow).
• Proficiency in English and Portuguese.

Required skills

• Advanced analytical techniques: AAS, ICP‑OES, HPLC, GC, ion chromatography, lubricity testing, thermal oxidation, JFTOT.
• Statistical evaluation of analytical data and quality‑control practices.
• Inter‑laboratory cross‑check programs.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and related computer tools.