"Service Technician"

Job Description:

Te Kura Matū | School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

Do you have the passion and skills to maintain, repair, and service complex technical systems and laboratory equipment?

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Continuing (permanent) position
• Generous annual leave provisions and professional development opportunities

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te tiaki, te whakatika, me te whakarite haere i ngā pūnaha hangarau me ngā taputapu taiwhanga matatini? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

As a Service Technician in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, you will be a vital part of a collaborative technical team that ensures our teaching and research laboratories, scientific infrastructure, and school-specific spaces operate smoothly, safely, and effectively. You'll maintain, repair, and enhance a diverse range of scientific equipment and systems; from high-precision lab instruments and mechanical systems to infrastructure like centrifuges, vacuum lines, gas systems, and environmental controls.

You'll apply your diagnostic skills to troubleshoot complex faults, including legacy and custom-built equipment, plan and implement preventative maintenance schedules, coordinate equipment upgrades, and keep detailed service records. This hands-on role involves supporting staff and students in research and teaching spaces, advising on equipment use, assisting with technical development, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You'll also liaise with a variety of internal teams and external contractors to help keep our spaces fit for world-class science.

Travel to Mt John Observatory and overnight stays are part of the role, offering the opportunity to apply your expertise in a unique field environment and contribute to exciting research and outreach work.

Mōu | Who You Are

You are an experienced technical professional with a strong background in scientific equipment maintenance, laboratory systems, and mechanical infrastructure. You take initiative, solve problems with creativity and care, and thrive in an environment where your knowledge contributes directly to research and learning. You enjoy supporting others and communicating across disciplines and you're ready to play a key part in a team that enables cutting-edge science.

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• A National Diploma (NZQA Level 6) or equivalent in a related field
• Extensive experience in technical servicing, preferably in a laboratory or research setting
• Hands-on experience maintaining, repairing and testing laboratory and mechanical systems, e.g. pumps, vacuum systems, and other scientific equipment
• Excellent troubleshooting and fault diagnosis skills, identifying issues for a wide range of equipment and systems
• Strong time management, independence, and communication skills
• Ability to stay updated on emerging trends and integrate innovative technologies into practical solutions

Desirable, or a willingness to learn:

• Experience with optics and laser systems, cryogenic equipment, machining, or technical computing (Windows and networking)

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

Te Kura Matū | School of Physical and Chemical Sciences is a thriving academic community with a legacy of over 150 years of excellence in science education and research. As one of the largest Schools within the University of Canterbury, we are united by a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and developing solutions to challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.

Our team includes academic, technical, and professional staff from a broad range of backgrounds, working together to support world-class teaching and innovative research.

Located within the Rutherford Regional Science and Innovation Centre (RRSIC), our teaching and research laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our connection to the wider university also provides access to exceptional research and computational facilities, extending the depth and reach of scientific exploration.

The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences offers a spectrum of majors including Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. Our research endeavours are channelled through five central themes: Sustainability and the Environment, New Materials, Nanotechnology and Laser Physics, Energy and Storage, and Astronomy and Astrophysics, as well as Human, Animal, and Plant Health.

By joining our School, you will be part of a diverse, collaborative, and future-focused community shaping the next generation of scientific innovation.

To learn more about our team, please visit: Physical and Chemical Sciences | University of Canterbury

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/our-story/our-values

We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

We offer a range of fantastic benefits including generous superannuation, leave provisions and study opportunities. 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 5th October 2025 (midnight, NZ time). Applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter, detailing your motivation in applying for the position and your relevant expertise, and a resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, but are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process through an email to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

Position enquiries can be directed to the Head of School, Professor Roger Reeves (spcshos@canterbury.ac.nz) using the subject line 'Service Technician'.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship or permanent residency to be considered for this role. If you hold a valid work visa and are physically present in New Zealand, then you may also be considered.