Laboratory Technician Physics Science

Mandela; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Mandela University seeks a laboratory supervisor to manage undergraduate physics labs and equipment, ensuring readiness for teaching and research. You will design experiments, support practical sessions and maintain compliance with OHASA.

Responsibilities include procurement, documentation, and keeping facilities safe and well-organized for students and staff involved in physics teaching and research activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics or engineering with 3–5 years of laboratory or research experience.
• Experience operating vacuum and cryogenic systems in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to set up, calibrate and maintain undergraduate experiments and equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and OHASA requirements, including radioactive sources and waste.
• Competency assessment will be required.

Responsibilities

• Manage practical aspects of undergraduate training in the Physics department.
• Maintain teaching/research laboratories and equipment, including calibration.
• Design, assemble and implement undergraduate experiments and research apparatus.
• Support practical sessions, demonstrations and laboratory assessments.
• Oversee OHASA compliance, hazardous materials handling and waste disposal.
• Manage procurement of equipment and CAPEX items with accurate records.
• Maintain technical, operational and regulatory documentation.

Education

BSc or equivalent

Tools

Word processing

Email

Internet

Spreadsheets

Office IT

Job description

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The purpose of this post is to manage the practical aspects of undergraduate training in the Department of Physics, with specific reference to maintaining teaching and research laboratories and related equipment, as well as performing certain administrative tasks within the department.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

The key performance areas of this post include:

• Provide technical expertise in the operation, servicing, fault diagnosis and repair of experimental, vacuum, and cryogenic systems.
• Design, assemble and implement undergraduate experiments and specialised research apparatus.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations, including setup, calibration and ensuring all equipment is functional and ready for teaching and research.
• Support and conduct practical sessions, including demonstrations and administration of laboratory assessments and marks.
• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including responsibility for radioactive sources, hazardous materials and waste disposal.
• Manage procurement processes, including sourcing of equipment, spare parts, gases, CAPEX items and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Maintain comprehensive technical, operational and regulatory documentation, including inventory, licensing and reporting requirements.

CORE COMPETENCIES

The core competencies of this post include:

• Extensive knowledge of undergraduate practical equipment and the ability to design undergraduate Physics experiments.
• Strong grasp of fundamental Physics principles and their practical applications.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHASA).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to lead a diverse team of assistants and students.
• Computer skills (ITS, word processing, email, internet, spreadsheets).

REQUIREMENTS

• A BSc or equivalent qualification in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related technical field with three to five years of relevant technnical experience, prefereably in a laboratory or research environment.
• Demonstrated practical experience in the operation,maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair of scientific and experimental experience, including vacuum systems and cryogenic equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, setup, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment and undergraduate experiments, and provide technical support during practical teaching sessions, demonstrations and laboratory assessments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety and occupational health and safety requirements, including the management off radioactive sources, hazardous materials and waste.
• Successful completion of a competency assessment will be required.