Senior Technician - Molecular Biosciences

The School of Food Technology & Natural Sciences is seeking a Senior Technician - Molecular Biosciences to join our team at Massey University's Manawatū campus in Palmerston North. This position is a full-time, permanent opportunity.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role

The Senior Technician - Molecular Biosciences provides technical support to undergraduate teaching laboratories, postgraduate students, and research activities. The role supports the delivery of practical teaching, ensures laboratories and equipment are maintained to a high standard, and contributes to a safe, efficient, and supportive learning and research environment. While this is not a teaching role, it provides an engaging opportunity to support practical learning, contribute to laboratory operations, and potentially participate in research activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting first to third year level undergraduate molecular biosciences laboratory teaching and practical classes, including classes in genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology.
• Working collaboratively with technical staff and academic colleagues to deliver laboratory-based courses.
• Planning and preparing laboratory sessions, including setup, pack-down, and resource management.
• Maintaining laboratory equipment, consumables, and teaching resources.
• Ensuring safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with regulations.
• Liaising with Facilities Management regarding laboratory maintenance and contractor access.
• Ordering and managing laboratory supplies and chemical inventories (including Vertere/Chemwatch system).
• Providing technical training to students and staff.
• Supporting digital teaching delivery via Stream, including resource management.
• Assisting with laboratory teaching, such as the save operation of equipment.
• Contributing to the development and updating of teaching manuals, protocols, and course resources.
• Supporting multi-modal teaching through development of digital resources (e.g. images, videos).
• Assisting with student administration, including marks management and communication via Stream and SMS.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records, inventories, and health and safety documentation.
• Supporting compliance with HSNO regulations, including work with GMOs.
• Providing cover during peak teaching periods and for technical staff absences.

Mōu | About you

To be successful in this role you will have a relevant tertiary qualification of at least a Masters, or equivalent significant hands-on laboratory experience in molecular cell biology and biochemistry (or related field). You will also have demonstrated experience in technical responsibilities, implementation of new protocols as required, extensive troubleshooting, and self-motivation.

Ko ngā hua o te tūranga? | What's in it for you?

You'll join a collaborative, future-focused team supporting world-class teaching and research. Based on our Manawatu campus, you'll enjoy a supportive work environment with a healthy work-life balance, and access to campus facilities including cafes, gym, and green spaces.

You will also receive up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme, five university holidays each year, and a subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your whānau.

The salary for this position will depend on skills and experience but will be in the range of Grade 5 ($60,069 - $84,876).

Apply now and make an impact that matters.

Further enquiries should be directed to the Molecular Biosciences Group Leader - Evelyn Sattlegger at [email protected].