"Chemical Formulation Technician"

Kura Hanga Otinga | School of Product Design

Te Kura Pūhanga | Faculty of Engineering

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch

Aotearoa | New Zealanda

Generous leave and superannuation provisions

Fixed-Term (1 year) position

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Chemical Formulation Technician? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

We have a one year fixed-term opportunity for an experienced and technically skilled Chemical Formulation Technician to support teaching and research within the School of Product Design. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of chemistry, natural products, and healthcare formulation—supporting the development of innovative product prototypes in a dynamic academic environment. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our Formulation Laboratory operates to the highest technical, safety, and compliance standards, while providing specialist expertise to staff and students bringing new product ideas to life.

As our Chemical Formulation Technician, you will:

Manage the School’s Formulation Laboratory facilities to ensure high-quality technical support services.

Set up and prepare equipment, buffers, formulation components, and consumables for teaching laboratories and research projects.

Oversee procurement, stock control, and safe storage of chemicals and consumables.

Maintain, calibrate, and service laboratory instruments to ensure optimal performance.

Support the evaluation and continuous improvement of laboratory facilities and services.

Provide specialist formulation expertise by providing hands-on technical advice to students and researchers developing chemical, natural, and healthcare product formulations.

Collaborate with academic staff and technical colleagues to design and install specialised equipment where required.

Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Act 1996.

Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and sustainable laboratory environment.

Mōu | Who You Are

You are an experienced laboratory professional with a strong technical foundation and a passion for supporting innovation in formulation science.

You will bring:

A NZ National Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6) or a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, or a related discipline.

Minimum 5 years’ experience in a chemistry, pharmacy, or analytical laboratory within technically complex environments.

Demonstrated expertise in preparing and analysing standard acids, bases, buffers, and safe solvent handling.

Proven experience calibrating and maintaining laboratory instruments (e.g., pH meters, conductivity meters, analytical balances).

Working knowledge of hazardous substances legislation and laboratory compliance requirements.

Experience with analytical instrumentation such as GC, HPLC, viscometers or related equipment (desirable).

Experience developing chemical, natural or healthcare formulated products (advantageous).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to support and guide students effectively.

A proactive, solutions-focused approach and commitment to high professional standards.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The School of Product Design is committed to excellence in teaching, research and creative practice at the forefront of product design, and producing versatile, innovative graduates who can contribute to New Zealand's future economic growth and social wellbeing

For more information about the School of Product Design and our team, please visit us here.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

We offer a range of benefits including flexible work practices, study opportunities and generous superannuation and leave provisions. For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc .

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 12 March 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Please note applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.