Laboratory Technical Officer

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is seeking a permanent, full-time Laboratory Technical Officer to join Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora - School of Biological Sciences Teaching Technician team. The team plays an important role in supporting the School’s laboratory, research, and teaching activities.

As a Laboratory Technical Officer, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of undergraduate laboratory teaching, primarily in molecular biology, with scope to support additional disciplines as required. You will work closely with academic staff to develop and deliver laboratory sessions, prepare teaching materials, and provide technical support across both laboratory and research activities, contributing to the smooth running of teaching and research operations across the School.

This is a varied role within a collaborative team. We’re looking for a proactive team player with excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships. Occasional flexibility in working hours is required to support laboratory setup and delivery, with time off in lieu provided.

If you are passionate about supporting high-quality scientific education, we encourage you to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare and set up laboratory classes to support effective undergraduate teaching.
• Comply with health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Collect, prepare, and culture biological specimens.
• Operate, maintain, and monitor laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Support research activities (technical and administrative).
• Manage inventories of equipment, reagents, and consumables.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, lab management, and outreach activities.
• Assist with laboratory risk assessments and safety audits.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

If you have a postgraduate qualification in biological sciences, a background in molecular biology, are motivated to take on new challenges, and have a proven commitment to health and safety in the workplace, we look forward to hearing from you.

Key requirements:

• Broad knowledge and practical experience in a variety of molecular biology techniques, including, for example: Extraction/purification of DNA and RNA; PCR amplification (including qPCR) and gel electrophoresis; Basic cloning and transformation methods; Protein purification and SDS-PAGE.
• Basic familiarity with techniques used in some of the following areas to provide back-up support to the team in microbiology, biochemistry and cell culture.
• Experience working in a teaching or research laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with confocal microscopy and photomicroscopy, or the ability to become proficient in these techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Well-developed organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Understanding of laboratory health and safety and compliance requirements.
• Effective communicator with excellent verbal and written skills.