Geology Lab Manager — Part-Time & Safety Focus

University of Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 86,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Five weeks annual leave

6.75% superannuation scheme

Work-life balance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Department of Geology at the University of Otago seeks an experienced Department Laboratory Manager to ensure our laboratories are safe, effective and fit for purpose while supporting staff, students and visitors.

You will oversee laboratory infrastructure, lead facility improvement projects, manage chemical inventories and hazardous substances, provide training and inductions, and collaborate with Laboratory Managers across the University to access specialist facilities.

Qualifications

• MSc or equivalent qualification in geoscience, chemistry or a related discipline.
• Experience working in geochemistry, chemistry or a related laboratory environment.
• Experience developing and maintaining professional laboratory procedures.
• Experience training, supervising or managing staff and students.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with academic, technical and professional staff.
• Proactive commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring Geology Building laboratories meet University and health and safety requirements, including PPE, first aid and hazardous substances protocols.
• Managing and supporting technical staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and visitors.
• Conducting inductions and delivering training in laboratory procedures and specialist equipment.
• Coordinating maintenance, repairs and facility upgrades with internal and external service providers.
• Managing chemical inventories, storage, disposal and compliance documentation.
• Serving as backup for MPI Biological Compliance operations related to geological research.
• Leading initiatives to enhance laboratory functionality and support departmental research needs.

Skills

Lab management

Safety compliance

Staff supervision

Training

Laboratory procedures

Communication

Problem solving

Relationship building

Education

MSc in geoscience or related discipline

Job description

The Department of Geology at the University of Otago seeks an experienced Department Laboratory Manager to ensure our laboratories are safe, effective and fit for purpose while supporting staff, students and visitors.

You will oversee laboratory infrastructure, lead facility improvement projects, manage chemical inventories and hazardous substances, provide training and inductions, and collaborate with Laboratory Managers across the University to access specialist facilities.