Laboratory Manager - Geology

University-of-Otag; Dunedin; Presencial; NZD 81.000 - 86.000; A tiempo parcial

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Five weeks annual leave

6.75% superannuation

Professional development opportunities

Descripción de la vacante

University of Otago in Dunedin invites applications for the Department Laboratory Manager role within Geology. Lead and enhance Earth science laboratories supporting world-class research and teaching, ensuring safety, effectiveness and fit for purpose.

You will supervise staff and students, manage chemical inventories, deliver inductions, coordinate facility upgrades, and work with CT E A and ORCA facilities.

Formación

• Experience developing and maintaining professional laboratory procedures.
• Experience training, supervising or managing staff and students.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsabilidades

• Ensure Geology Building laboratories meet health and safety requirements.
• Manage and support technical staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students and visitors.
• Conduct inductions and training in laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Coordinate maintenance, repairs and upgrades with service providers.
• Manage chemical inventories, storage, disposal and compliance documentation.
• Serve as backup for MPI Biological Compliance operations related to geological research.
• Lead initiatives to enhance laboratory functionality for departmental research needs.

Conocimientos

Communication

Leadership

Training

Organizational

Problem solving

Educación

MSc or equivalent in geoscience/chemistry

Descripción del empleo

Lead and enhance specialist Earth science laboratories that support internationally recognised research and teaching at the University of Otago.

The role | Te mahi

Our geochemistry, petrology, sedimentology, fossil preparation, paleomag and geophysics laboratories support world-class research and teaching across a broad range of Earth science disciplines.

As Department Laboratory Manager, you will 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 for laboratory users, and work with Laboratory Managers across the University to support access to specialist facilities.

You will join a collaborative team supporting three key facilities: the Geology Building, the Centre for Trace Element Analysis (CTEA), and the Otago Repository for Core Analysis (ORCA).

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the Geology Building laboratories meet University and legislative 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 in collaboration 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.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• An MSc or equivalent qualification in geoscience, chemistry or a related discipline.
• Experience working in a geochemistry, chemistry or 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.
• The ability to build effective working relationships with academic, technical and professional staff.
• A proactive commitment to continuous improvement.

The Department of Geology is internationally recognised for the quality and breadth of its research, teaching and graduates. Our research and teaching are closely connected to the geology of New Zealand, the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, with a strong focus on understanding Earth processes and addressing environmental challenges.

This is a permanent, part-time (22.5 hours per week) position located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The salary level for this position is Level 7 - $80,749 to $85,649, Top of Range $100,776 (pro rata).

We offer competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave , a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance and plenty of professional development opportunities

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Professor Chris Moy, via the contact details below.

Applications quoting reference number 2601282 will close on Monday, 30 November 2026.

Applications may be considered as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Note: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.

Salary Level and Range Level 7 (Range of Appointments $80,749 to $85,649, Top of Range $100,776)