Technical Manager - Microbiology and Immunology

University-of-Otag; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 76,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Otago in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, seeks a Technical Manager to maintain department facilities and equipment, enabling research and teaching in Microbiology and Immunology.

This full-time, permanent role involves evaluating equipment needs, overseeing PC2/PC3 facilities, ensuring safety, and being on 24-hour call; joining a dynamic team within Health Sciences Division.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills.
• High degree of organisation, with ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Maintain department facilities and equipment to support research and teaching.
• Evaluate departmental large equipment needs including new and replacement items.
• Evaluate, remedy or request equipment and building repairs including joint oversight of building security.
• Oversee technical aspects, repairs and maintenance of PC2 and PC3 facilities; ongoing training provided.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment is in working order, including computer hardware associated with equipment.
• Act as Deputy Health and Safety Officer and Deputy Fire Warden.
• Be on 24hr call for the PC3 facility, monitored cold storage and department building/equipment.
• Communicate effectively to staff and students about repair and maintenance activities to minimise disruption.

Skills

Strong communication

Organised

Education

Tertiary science qualification

Job description

MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY | TE TARI MOROMOROITI ME TE ĀRAI MATE

HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION | TE TAUTARINUI

Who we are | Ko wai mātou

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology sits within the Division of Health Sciences, and we are seeking a Technical Manager to join our team in February 2027 in this full-time, permanent position. The Department has 13 research teams made up of staff and postgraduate students who undertake fundamental and applied research in microbiology, immunology and virology. We also have a larger teaching team supporting undergraduate teaching to Science and Health Science students.

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology strives to create an inclusive, supportive environment to promote excellence, integrity and innovation in research and teaching.

The role | Te Mahi

As Technical Manager you will maintain Department facilities and equipment to allow research and teaching to continue uninterrupted, playing a vital role in the continued success of Microbiology and Immunology at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago.

Key tasks

• To evaluate departmental large equipment needs including new and replacement items.
• To evaluate, remedy or request equipment and building repairs including joint oversight of building security.
• To oversee technical aspects, repairs and maintenance of a Physical Containment (PC) 2 and 3 facilities. Ongoing training will be provided.
• To ensure all laboratory equipment is in working order, including computer hardware associated with equipment housed within the building.
• To act as Deputy Health and Safety Officer and Deputy Fire Warden.
• To ensure all equipment is maintained in safe working condition.
• To be on 24hr call for the PC3 facility, monitored cold storage and the Department building and equipment.
• To communicate effectively to staff and students about repair and maintenance activities, to minimise disruption to research and teaching.

Qualifications

• Tertiary science qualification.
• Experience with the operating requirements for physical containment levels 1, 2, and/or 3 will be an asset.
• Strong communication skills.
• A high degree of organisation is required, including an ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $75,631 to $80,503 per annum. Top of the range is $88,750.

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

Specific enquiries may be directed to Associate Professor Jo Kirman, Head of Department via the email address below.

Additional Information

Salary Level and Range Level 6 (Range of Appointments $75,631 to $80,503, Top of Range $88,750)