Psychology Laboratory Technician

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia; Putrajaya; On-site; MYR 30,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is seeking a Psychology Lab Technician to support the daily operation of the research laboratory and supervise students in using equipment and techniques. The role includes teaching responsibilities in research methods and data analysis for undergraduate students and potential involvement in foundation-level teaching.

Based in Putrajaya, the post requires strong English language skills and collaboration with overseas campuses, with opportunities to pursue

Qualifications

• Broad understanding of psychology.
• Undergraduate honours degree in Psychology.
• Postgraduate degree in Psychology.
• Some background in numerate disciplines (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and assessment in psychology laboratory classes.
• Prepare and set up laboratory sessions for research methods and data analysis.
• Undertake independent teaching responsibilities focusing on research methods and data analysis for undergraduates.
• Maintain laboratory instruments and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Mentor and support students on technical matters, including PhD students.
• Assist undergraduate and postgraduate students in dissertations and ongoing research.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Malaysia and at other campuses; build relationships for future collaboration.
• Oversee safe laboratory operations; liaise with Campus Services and ensure safety compliance.
• Manage databases for the Psychology laboratory access system.
• Administer the laboratory booking system and maintain inventory of equipment.
• Engage in CPD and teaching skill development; pursue HEA Fellowship where possible.

Skills

English fluency

Teaching ability

Research methods

Education

Undergrad honours in Psychology

Postgraduate degree in Psychology

Tools

SPSS

NVivo

PsychoPy

Job description

Job Description

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Psychology Lab Technician. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the daily operations of the research laboratory, including the support, training and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students in the use of research equipment and techniques, while contributing to the development of the department’s research capacity over time.

The postholder will be expected to foster strong links with colleagues at the University’s campuses in Edinburgh and Dubai, supporting the academic team to provide high-quality learning, teaching and research, and contributing to the continued enhancement of psychology provisions across the institution. Collaboration with overseas colleagues will also be central to building research capacity and ensuring alignment with international standards.

The successful candidate will additionally undertake teaching responsibilities. These will focus primarily on research methods and data analysis classes for undergraduate students, with the potential to also contribute to more general teaching at foundation level or classes in a specific area of personal expertise. Appropriate support will be provided to develop teaching skills, potentially leading to professional recognition such as Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Candidates should therefore possess a broad knowledge of psychology across multiple domains, together with a demonstrable interest in research activities.

From time to time, the postholder may also conduct basic duties in support the work of other departments, including Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Science, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the role. If the candidate so aspires, it may be possible to pursue a PhD on a part-time basis after demonstrating satisfactory performance in the role.

The position is based at the University’s campus in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia. All programmes are delivered in English, and fluency in English is essential. New staff will participate in a comprehensive induction programme covering Heriot-Watt’s standards, values, and the practical elements of their role.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support teaching and assessment on academic programmes by assisting colleagues in Psychology with laboratory practical classes, workshops, and other activities that facilitate the delivery of HWUM’s psychology programmes.


2. Prepare and set up laboratory sessions for research methods and data analysis classes, and provide assistance during classes and tutorials.


3. Undertake independent teaching responsibilities (Grade 5), focusing primarily on research methods and data analysis for undergraduate students, with potential to contribute to foundation-level teaching or classes in areas of personal expertise.


4. Maintain laboratory instruments and ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the laboratory.


5. Mentor and support students on technical matters, including PhD students, by providing effective, well-documented, and timely guidance.


6. Assist undergraduate and postgraduate students in dissertation projects, as well as staff in ongoing research activities.


7. Work collaboratively with colleagues in Malaysia, at other campuses, and with external networks to exchange information, share learning, and build relationships for future collaboration.


8. Oversee safe operations of laboratory activities by liaising with Campus Services and ensuring compliance with university safety policies and statutory regulations.


9. Manage and maintain databases for the Psychology laboratory access system.


10. Administer the laboratory booking system and maintain an inventory of equipment and supplies.


11. Undertake continuous professional development (CPD) and participate in staff development activities, including training to enhance teaching skills and potentially achieve professional recognition or qualification.

All HWUM staff endeavours will embody our shared values of: Inspire, Collaborate, Belong, and Celebrate.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Person Specification

This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of the role.

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• A broad understanding and background in Psychology


• An undergraduate honours degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline


• A postgraduate degree in Psychology or closely related discipline

Desirable

• Some background in Psychology or other numerate disciplines

Experience

Essential

• Competence using SPSS or equivalent analytical software packages


• Competence using NVivo or willingness to learn

Desirable

• Experience with survey and experimental software platforms (e.g. PsychoPy, SurveyLab, Testable or equivalent)


• Some programming skills (e.g.,/R-statistics/Python/Matlab/C/Java), preferably with experience in implementing psychological experiments


• Experience of working in laboratory and/or educational environments


• Experience in supporting the learning of others

Competencies, Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Fluent (verbal and written) in English


• Good communication, interpersonal and technical writing skills


• Ability to work independently and be proactive and resourceful


• Ability to apply knowledge acquired from research into teaching materials and methods


• Commitment to continuous professional development, including enhancement of teaching skills and pursuit of professional recognition (e.g., HEA Fellowship)

Desirable

• Flexible and innovative with the ability to adapt to continually changing situations

Special Factors (if applicable)

Essential

• Teaching Permit. If not currently available, the University will assist with the application process.

Essential Criteria

Essential Criteria – these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the short-listing stage.

Desirable Criteria

Desirable Criteria – these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold. When shortlisting, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.

Other Relevant Information

We aim to hold interviews at the Malaysia Campus in Putrajaya on the week of 14 September 2026.

For more information about Malaysia Campus, please visit http://www.hw.edu.my.

For information about Purpose-Driven Education, please see our website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/about/purpose-driven-education.htm.

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.