Taurai Matema

A career spanning twenty-four years of leadership in chemical analytical services and quality assurance. I was the Laboratory Manager at ARC-ISCW. I have proven expertise in laboratory budget planning, procurement, quality assurance and safety compliance.

I am also an expert in most technique applications and method development. I have extensive experience in implementation and maintenance of quality management systems, (ISO 17025). I was a Board member of the curriculum advisory Board of Tshwane University of Technology, Chemistry Department from 2016 until the end of 2018.

I am excited to bring a strong background in analytical chemistry and strategic management to enhance operational excellence to a forward thinking organization.

Laboratory Manager at ARC-ISCW (2011-04 – 2019-03)

Oversaw daily laboratory operations, ensuring seamless workflows and adherence to protocols

• Oversaw daily laboratory operations, ensuring seamless workflows and adherence to protocols
• Championed budget planning and implementation, effectively managing financial resources
• Supervised laboratory staff, conducting training and recruitment to enhance team competency
• Scheduled and assigned tasks to optimise turnaround time for results
• Directed procurement and management of laboratory inventory, maintaining optimal stock levels
• Performed maintenance and calibration of equipment to uphold operational standards
• Ensured safety compliance in the laboratory, fostering a secure working environment
• Executed quality control and assurance protocols to validate results
• Communicated results to clients, providing clarity and timely information
• Liaised with stakeholders, fostering collaboration and support
• I was the technical signatory of the laboratory, ensuring adherence to accurate results and regulatory standards

Production Chemist at Innovative Chemicals (2009-03 – 2011-03)

Coordinated planning and scheduling of detergents production in collaboration with the marketing department

• Coordinated planning and scheduling of detergents production in collaboration with the marketing department
• Managed procurement of raw materials and supervised inventory levels
• Led supervision of production staff to ensure efficiency and compliance
• Monitored safety and regulatory adherence across production processes
• Diagnosed and troubleshot production issues, minimising downtime
• Handled technical customer complaints, ensuring swift resolution
• Conducted quality control assessments of raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products
• Facilitated training sessions for production staff, enhancing skill sets

Research Scientist at Scientific and Industrial Research and Development centre (SIRDC) (2004-07 – 2005-12)

Led laboratory scale production of avermectin veterinary drug, laying groundwork for pilot plant upscaling

• Initiated and presented research proposals, to secure funding and support for projects
• Led laboratory scale production of avermectin veterinary drug, laying groundwork for pilot plant upscaling
• Evaluated in-process product at various production stages for quality assurance
• Documented experimental data and observations meticulously, ensuring traceability
• Collaborated with engineers and biochemists on pilot plant construction, integrating interdisciplinary expertise
• Delivered applied research insights to clients, translating findings into practical applications

Senior Analytical Chemist/Section Manager at Tobacco Research Board (1995-05 – 2004-06)

Supervised preparation of soil, water, and plant samples for analytical analysis

• Supervised preparation of soil, water, and plant samples for analytical analysis
• Analysed samples using advanced techniques, delivering high-quality results
• Interpreted and reported analytical results to clients, enhancing transparency and trust
• Executed maintenance and calibration of equipment to ensure reliable measurements
• Implemented quality control and assurance protocols to uphold analytical integrity
• Oversaw implementation and maintenance of ISO 17025 standards within the laboratory
• Ensured compliance with safety regulations in laboratory operations

MSc. in Analytical Chemistry – University of Zimbabwe (2001-03 – 2003-03)

B.Sc. in Applied Sciences-Chemistry (Hons) – National University of Science and Technology (1991-03 – 1994-03)

Diploma in Marketing – Institute for commercial management (UK) (1997-01 – 1997-11)

Diploma in Business Management – Institute for commercial management (UK) (1997-01 – 1997-11)

Diploma in Sales and Sales-Management – Institute for commercial management (UK) (1997-01 – 1997-11)