Serisha Kishoon Pershad
Analytical Chemist/ Analytical Sales Representative
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Results-driven and detail-oriented analytical chemist with extensive experience in chemical analysis, R&D, laboratory management, and technical sales. Skilled in analytical techniques including chromatography, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, titration, density measurement, refractometry, and UV spectroscopy, with strong expertise in method development, validation, and optimization.
Currently working as an Analytical Sales Representative at Microsep, combining technical expertise with client relationship management, solution-based selling, product demonstrations, and customer support within the analytical instrumentation industry. Internationally trained in Switzerland in thermal analysis, titration method development and analysis, density measurement, refractometry, and UV spectroscopy, with extensive knowledge of automated chemistry systems including chemical reactors and in situ probes.
Previously worked at Sappi Specialised Cellulose Technical C.O.E as a Technologist in Training and later Senior Research Analyst, gaining over 7 years of experience in analytical testing, R&D method development, and laboratory operations. Passionate about scientific innovation, problem-solving, and delivering high-quality technical solutions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
10
10
Certificates
Work History
Analytical Sales Representative
Microsep (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg, Gauteng
01.2025 - Current
- Manage and grow customer relationships within the analytical instrumentation and laboratory industry
- Provide technical sales support and application-based solutions to clients across various industries
- Conduct product demonstrations, presentations, and client consultations for analytical instrumentation and laboratory equipment
- Identify customer requirements and recommend suitable analytical solutions based on application needs
- Prepare quotations, proposals, and technical documentation for customers
- Maintain strong knowledge of analytical instrumentation including thermal analysis, titration, density measurement, refractometry, UV spectroscopy, and automated chemistry systems
- Support customers with method development, troubleshooting, and technical queries relating to instrumentation and laboratory applications
- Trained internationally in Switzerland on thermal analysis, titration method development and analysis, density measurement, refractometry, and UV spectroscopy
- Extensive knowledge of automated chemistry systems including chemical reactors and in situ probe technologies
- Collaborate with application specialists, and internal teams to deliver effective customer solutions
- Conduct market development activities and identify new business opportunities
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients
- Provide after-sales support and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction
- Attend industry meetings, laboratory visits, and technical training sessions to remain up to date with industry developments
Senior Research Analyst
Sappi Saiccor
3 2018 - 10.2023
- Ensure timeous delivery of accurate and reliable experimental results in line with laboratory work schedule
- Team Leader roll - Managing team performance
- Ensuring adherence to ISO test protocol
- Reports and resolves any conflicts or shortcomings within the team
- Ensures that all project hours are logged
- Creates log sheets
- Manages and analyses results obtained
- Assist with performing calibration validations of analytical instruments and viscometers when required and record data
- Analyses, interpretation and compilation of test results
- Preparing routine chemicals when required according to the schedule provided in compliance with the chemical preparation system
- Maintenance, cleaning, and sterilization of laboratory instruments and equipment
- Chemical inventory and consumables
- Laboratory maintenance and housekeeping responsibilities
- Reporting hazards, unsafe acts and unsafe conditions to the Team Leader, Technologist or Safety Representative
- Being familiar with MSDS's and chemical hazards for the chemicals he/she is working with.
Technologist in Training
Sappi Saiccor
03.2017 - 02.2018
- Method development
- Project management- Managing teams on projects, creating schedules and assigning and overseeing of work among analytical team
- Analysing results and reporting to management sponsor
- Managing chemical inventory and consumables
- Daily laboratory tests
- E.g
- Viscosities, Moisture analysis, etc
- Including speciality testing
- Research and Development
- Preparation and standardization of chemicals
- Analyses, interpretation, and compilation of test results
- Writing technical reports for documentation of experimental results
- Maintenance, cleaning, and sterilization of laboratory instruments and equipment
- Calibration of laboratory instruments and equipment
- Laboratory maintenance and housekeeping responsibilities
- Troubleshooting and optimization of laboratory equipment and methods
- Test set up and implementation.
Promoter and Brand Representative
Point Blank Promotions
Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Developed and executed promotional strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize event logistics and customer interactions.
- Trained new team members on effective promotional techniques and customer service protocols.
- Coordinated product demonstrations, ensuring engaging presentations that showcased key features.
- Leveraged social media platforms to increase audience reach and drive event participation effectively.
Education
Stanmore Secondary
National Diploma: Analytical Chemistry - Chemistry
Durban University of Technology
Durban 04.2001 -
Skills
Chromatography (HPLC, GC)
Spectroscopy (UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR)
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS)
Method Development and Validation
Instrumentation Troubleshooting
Quality Control/Assurance
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Cross-functional Collaboration
Research and Development
Formulation Development
Chemical safety
Team collaborations
Scientific Presentations
Creating reports
Performing experiments
Project Management
Physical Chemistry
Electrochemistry
Microsoft Excel
Problem-solving abilities
Multitasking
Calibration skills
Batch record analysis
Quality Control
Contactnumbers
0788250570, Serishakp@gmail.com
Personal Information
- ID Number: 9511060210082
- Date of Birth: 06/11/95
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: South African
- Marital Status: Single
Health
Excellent
Driverlicense
Yes
Certification
Chemical compliance training
Timeline
TA: Thermal Analysis in Practice
10-2025
AnaChem Basic Course / DLVB36
09-2025
Basics of Data Integrity
07-2025
MT: Karl Fischer Titration
07-2025
Analytical Sales Representative
Microsep (Pty) Ltd
01.2025 - Current
Sappi 25 Accreditation
12-2022
Hazardous substance training
01-2020
Chemical compliance training
01-2019
Laboratory Safety training
01-2019
Spill Kit training
01-2019
Fire prevention training
01-2019
Technologist in Training
Sappi Saiccor
03.2017 - 02.2018
Promoter and Brand Representative
Point Blank Promotions
01.2014 - 12.2015
National Diploma: Analytical Chemistry - Chemistry
Durban University of Technology
04.2001 -
Stanmore Secondary
Senior Research Analyst
Sappi Saiccor
3 2018 - 10.2023