Laboratory Technician Physics Science

Nelson Mandela University; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Mandela University invites applications for a technical role in the Department of Physics. The successful candidate will manage undergraduate teaching laboratories, maintain experimental, vacuum and cryogenic equipment, and perform related administrative tasks.

Responsibilities include operating and servicing systems, supporting practical sessions, and ensuring OHASA compliance. You will oversee daily lab operations, assist with demonstrations and assessments, and manage procurement and

Qualifications

• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Understand and manage cryogenic systems and vacuum equipment.
• Support design and setup of undergraduate experiments.
• Ensure safety and OHASA compliance in laboratory work.
• Coordinate with staff to support teaching sessions.

Responsibilities

• Operate, service, diagnose faults in experimental, vacuum and cryogenic systems.
• Design, assemble and implement undergraduate experiments and equipment.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations and calibrate equipment.
• Support practical sessions, including demonstrations and lab assessments.
• Ensure OHASA compliance and manage hazardous materials and waste.
• Coordinate procurement of equipment and maintain records.
• Maintain documentation, inventory, and reporting requirements.

Skills

Lab equipment operation

Cryogenic systems

Experimental design

OHASA knowledge

Team leadership

Education

BSc in Physics

Engineering degree

Technical qualification

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.