GRADE 7 LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I

Duties of the post include:

• Providing technical assistance in the area of plant biology including plant biotechnology and physiology for students and researchers of the Department of Life Sciences.

• Liaising with academic staff to discuss timetables, equipment requirements and work plans.

• Preparing equipment and other resources for laboratory sessions and running trials of experiments prior to practical sessions.

• Maintaining equipment and laboratory apparatus.

• Keeping up to date records of student practical sessions, tracking methods, results etc.

• Ensuring  that laboratory equipment is properly maintained and cleaned and that chemical and other materials are appropriately stored.

• Providing technical support during laboratory sessions and with individual undergraduate plant biology research projects.

• Maintaining an up to date computerized inventory register of equipment and supplies.

• Contributing to research.

• Ensuring that all health and safety procedures are understood and followed correctly in accordance with OSHA.

• Co-ordinating work in the laboratory to ensure that efficient use is made of equipment.

• Preparing requisitions for both foreign and local supplies.

• Assisting with the preparation of operating procedures and risk assessments for plant biology and biotechnology techniques.

• Performing any other related duties as may be assigned by the Head of Department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Applicants for this position should have knowledge of standard laboratory methods, practices, procedures, policies and regulations as it relates to laboratory materials and equipment. Applicants should have working knowledge of general laboratory operations and practical exposure to laboratory procedures.  Knowledge of health and safety practices in a laboratory environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

A relevant Technician’s Diploma or an Associate degree from a recognized institution.

Desirable:

A BSc degree in Agriculture or Biological Sciences discipline.

Experience

Required:

One (1) to three (3) years relevant work experience.

COMPETENCIES: