Senior Chemist / Laboratory Supervisor – Petroleum Testing

About the role

The company seeks a Senior Chemist/Laboratory Supervisor to lead analytical programs in a petroleum testing laboratory located in Cabinda, Angola. The role ensures testing is performed accurately, safely, and in compliance with international standards, delivering reliable results for clients and regulatory bodies.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory tests on crude oil, heavy fuel oil, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene and water following ASTM, ISO, IP and local specifications.
• Record, interpret and report test results, ensuring data integrity.
• 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 a statistical quality control program to meet ISO 17025 requirements.
• Provide analytical advice and reports to refinery operations.
• Ensure compliance with HSE regulations, company policies and external standards.

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.
• Experience in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of petroleum refining processes and ASTM/IP test methods, especially for heavy fuel oil, diesel and Jet A‑1.
• Familiarity with ISO 8217, DEF STAN 91‑091 and Naphtha Dow specifications.
• Good proficiency in English and Portuguese.

Required skills

• AAS, ICP‑OES, HPLC, GC, ion chromatography.
• Lubricity testing, thermal oxidation, JFTOT.
• Statistical evaluation of analytical results and quality‑control practices.
• Inter‑laboratory cross‑check programs.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and related computer tools.
• Instrument calibration and ISO 17025 procedures.