# Rethe Van Niekerk

Rethe Van Niekerk is a remote worker on Himalayas, Junior R&D Chemist at Proficos, based in South Africa.

Source: https://himalayas.app/@rethevanniekerk

```text
Junior R&D Chemist at Proficos, formulating cosmetic products and testing lab-scale batches for professional make-up.
```

| Detail | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Availability | Looking for a job |
| Location | South Africa |
| Authorized to work in | South Africa |
| Salary expectations | 30k+ ZAR |
| Job categories | Research And Development Chemist, Formulation Scientist, Microbiologist, Research Scientist |
| Skills | Cosmetic Formulation, Personal Care Formulation, Lab Scale Trials, Cosmetic Product Development, Microbiological Testing, Total Viable Count (TVC), Yeast And Mold Testing, Aseptic Technique, Media Preparation, Preservative Effectiveness Testing, Environmental Monitoring, Batch Manufacturing, Scale Up, PH Testing, Viscosity Testing, TVC |

## What I'm looking for

```text
I'm looking to bring my skills and curiosity into a dynamic industry where I can keep growing and contribute meaningfully. My interests include biological and environmental research, microbiological testing, and formulating innovative cosmetic products.
```

## About

```text
At Proficos, I formulate and reformulate cosmetic and personal care products, including creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and gels. I conduct laboratory-scale trials and evaluate pH, viscosity, stability, and appearance.

I hold a BSc in Zoology and Microbiology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cosmetic Product Formulation from North-West University of Potchefstroom (NWU), both supported by hands-on research and lab experience. My postgraduate final-year project involved developing and producing an original cosmetic product, which received a distinction.
```

## Experience

### Junior R&D Chemist (current)

Proficos. Jan 2026 - Present

```text
Formulate and reformulate cosmetic and personal care products, conduct laboratory-scale trials, and supervise pilot batch manufacturing. Perform microbiological testing and assist with regulatory documentation.
```

Skills: Cosmetic-Formulation, PH-Testing, Viscosity-Testing, Stability-Testing, Batch-Manufacturing, Manufacturing-Records, Microbiological-Testing, TVC, Yeast-And-Mold-Testing, Media-Preparation, Aseptic-Technique, Preservative-Effectiveness-Testing, Environmental-Monitoring, INCI-Names, Product-Information-Files, Safety-Data-Sheets, Regulatory-Documentation, R&D, Quality-Control-(QC), Production, Regulatory, Formulation, Cosmetic-Science

## Education

### North-West University

Postgraduate Diploma, Cosmetic Product Formulation. 2025 - 2025. Grade: Distinction

```text
Postgraduate Diploma in Cosmetic Product Formulation (NQF Level 8) graduated with Distinction. Main modules included Cosmetic Science, Research, Development and Manufacturing, Formulation of Personal Care, Skin Care, Sun Care, Fragrance, Hair Care, and Colour Cosmetic Products. Final year project involved development and production of an original cosmetic product, completed with Distinction.
```

### North-West University

Bachelor of Science, Zoology and Microbiology. 2022 - 2024. Grade: Distinction (Final Year Project)

Activities and societies: Residence: Kasteel Ladies Residence; Committees: RAG, Social, Formal; Campus RAG Sub-committee.

```text
Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Microbiology (NQF Level 7). Main modules included Zoology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physiology. Final year research project on Buffalo Behaviour Study completed with Distinction.
```

### Garsfontein High School

National Senior Certificate, General. 2017 - 2021. Grade: 4 Distinctions

Activities and societies: Leadership: Representative Student Council (2018-2020), Student Council (2021); Culture: Musical (2018-2020); Sport: Tennis (2017-2020); Academics: Academic Honor Colors (2017-2019), Academic Recognition (2020-2021); Extracurricular: Senior Contemporary Open Class (D2B Dance Studio), Senior Hip-Hop Open Class (D2B Dance Studio), Piano: UNISA Grade 3, Tap dancing.

```text
Completed National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with 4 distinctions.
```

## Tech stack

- Gmail
- Microsoft Teams
- PDF.js
- Microsoft Office 365
- Microsoft Excel
- Canva
- ChatGPT
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint

To contact Rethe, message them from this profile with a Himalayas employer account: [Hire on Himalayas](https://himalayas.app/hire).

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