Laboratory Technician Physics Science

Nelson Mandela University; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Mandela University in South Africa seeks a hands-on Laboratory Technician in the Physics Department to manage undergraduate teaching laboratories and equipment, maintain cryogenic and vacuum systems, and support research activities.

The role requires a BSc or equivalent with 3–5 years in a lab or research setting, strong safety knowledge, and the ability to lead assistants and students in practical sessions and demonstrations, while ensuring OHASA compliance and handling procurement tasks.

Qualifications

• BSc or equivalent qualification in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related technical field with 3–5 years of relevant technical experience, preferably in a laboratory or research environment.
• Demonstrated practical experience in operation, maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair of scientific and experimental equipment, including vacuum systems and cryogenic equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, set up, 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 of radioactive sources, hazardous materials and waste.
• Successful completion of a competency assessment will be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in 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.

Skills

Laboratory equipment operation

Technical troubleshooting

Communication skills

OHASA knowledge

Education

BSc or equivalent (Physics/Engineering)

Tools

MS Office

Spreadsheets

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

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.