Laboratory Technician: Technology Education at Sol Plaatje University

Purpose

• Responsible for laboratory management, research support and assistance to academics in the Department of Natural Science Teaching in the Faculty of Education.
• The incumbent will be responsible for instrument and equipment management in the Department, procurement, technical support, education and training (practicals), health and safety management to all staff, students and visitors in the research laboratory spaces. As a laboratory technician.

Minimum Requirement

• BSc Honours Degree NQF 8 in Technology Education (or related field in STEM education); 
• Two years’ experience related to the operation and management of laboratory work, especially in a tertiary institution. 
• Computer literate 
• Driver’s license.
• Recommendations
• Coordination of practical sessions at the undergraduate level and field experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Liaise with Technology lecturers on maintenance of equipment or  
• Assume responsibility for the maintenance of equipment  
• Maintenance of service histories and contracts for all equipment/instruments 
• Purchasing of equipment and issuing of equipment 
• Stock control and ordering of consumables 
• Arrange for specified lab waste disposal and deal with gas rentals related matters 
• Ensure security checks of the laboratory to ensure equipment is secured/protected 
• Install and commission minor laboratory equipment 
• Conduct preparatory work for practicals 
• Supervise Lab Assistants during setting up for practicals  
• To be available in the relevant practical session and to instruct students as directed by the Lecturer 
• Liaise with external stakeholder/s to keep abreast of latest developments and equipment available 
• Compile or assist in the compilation of manuals  
• Ensure that health and safety rules and procedures are followed at all times 
• Assist with the display of health and safety policy and procedures and ensure that they are visible to laboratory users 
• Participate in safety inspections, fire drills, and any other SHE interventions 
• Report all forms of hazards in the laboratory  
• Undertake literature and database searches to increase efficiency in the Laboratory  
• Assist academics with research projects 
• Keep abreast of developments within own field of study and its implications for the teaching/learning situation 
• Keep abreast of developments in professional conduct at SPU 
• Register as a member of professional bodies to keep abreast of all developments (where appropriate) 
• Engage in current professional development activities e.g. improve qualifications, ongoing development required by professional body 
• Develop relevant reports as and when required. 
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders.