Senior Laboratory Technician (P003197)
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The purpose of this position is to appoint a Senior Laboratory Technician to perform research laboratory related duties including maintenance of existing analytical equipment (including HPLCs equipped with various detectors) in the central analytical facility and ordering analytical parts as well as analytical consumables (columns, solvents, vials, SPE cartridges, pipette tips etc). Conducting data backups on a weekly basis. Assist with analytical method development which includes biological sample preparation, analysis of biological samples for endogenous and pharmacological compounds. Health and Safety functions and provide research and admin support. Postgraduate student project assistance regarding analytical needs. The incumbent will run and maintain specialised equipment and must be willing to learn new skills and techniques.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Research Support and Training:
- Help all postgraduate students in the labs, including managing of stock, handling orders, assistance during laboratory work, assisting postgraduate students on instrumentation, organise labs for visits and seasonal projects.
- Develop and validate novel analytical methods in relation to research projects.
- Performance of chemical analysis.
- Compiling and maintaining relevant SOP (Standard operating procedures) documents.
Overall Maintenance:
- Managing and executing maintenance of facilities and equipment.
- Arrange repairs of faulty apparatus, equipment, and structural imperfections in the laboratories.
- Handling of orders for work and specific equipment regarding work being performed.
- All laminar flow hoods, biological safety cabinets and fume hood maintenance coordination
- Maintenance and operation of purified water system.
Waste removal:
- Management of waste (chemical and biological).
- Placing of orders.
- Order of containers.
General reagents and solvents:
- Stock management.
- Ordering.
- Distribution.
Health and Safety representative:
- Access control management.
- Staff/students training on health and safety.
- Health and safety officer, and Faculty Safety committee member.
- Health and Safety report writing.
- Acquisition, maintenance, and distribution of protective equipment.
Minimum requirements
- A BSc honours degree (NQF level 8) in Chemical Sciences or related fields.
EXPERIENCE:
- A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in performing chemical analysis.
KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
- Be able to work according to GLP and apply quality control over research methods and results.
- Knowledge and experience of laboratory safety procedures.
- Training in health and safety in research laboratories.
- Computer competence – Creating support system for equipment – Data backup.
- Knowledge and experience of operating general laboratory equipment such as pH meters, centrifuges, ultra-low temperature storage units.
- Sample preparation techniques including biological sample clean-up techniques (SPE, precipitation/centrifugation/filtration).
KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
- Must function as a team member and as a team leader.
- Strong negotiating capabilities.
- Effective time management.
- Must solve and handle problems in the laboratory environment.
- Must be driven by research outputs.
- Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
REMUNERATION
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
ENQUIRIES REGADING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof. Lesetja Legoabe, Tel No: 018 299-2182
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Janine Da Gama, Tel No: 016 910-3451
CLOSING DATE: 15 March 2024
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible
Kindly take note: applications may only be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The University subscribes to and applies the principles of the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
