Chief Technical Officer – Physics & Astronomy Department

About the role

The University of the Western Cape’s Department of Physics and Astronomy seeks a Chief Technical Officer to lead and develop its undergraduate laboratory programme. This permanent, full-time position will oversee the safe operation, maintenance and innovation of teaching and research labs, supporting both staff and students.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the design, delivery and continuous improvement of undergraduate laboratory sessions.
• Manage inventories, procurement and administration of laboratory equipment and practical demonstrators.
• Oversee vacuum systems, pumps and gas-handling infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable performance.
• Integrate laboratory instruments with computer systems for automated control, real-time data acquisition and troubleshooting.
• Incorporate educational technologies into experimental activities.
• Provide technical support for the maintenance of key research and teaching laboratories.
• Contribute to undergraduate teaching as required.

Required profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Engineering or a related field.
• At least two years’ experience managing undergraduate physics or engineering laboratories.
• Minimum two years’ experience delivering undergraduate laboratory teaching.
• Demonstrated expertise in vacuum and electronic systems and in equipment‑computer interfacing platforms.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and gas‑handling systems.
• Strong organisational, communication and training abilities.

Required skills

• Vacuum systems operation and maintenance.
• Electronic instrumentation.
• Equipment‑computer interfacing and real-time data acquisition.
• Gas‑handling infrastructure.
• Laboratory safety procedures.