Senior Laboratory Technician

About the role

The Senior Laboratory Technician will lead the management of laboratory and fieldwork activities for the Climatology Research Group. This position ensures the smooth operation of atmospheric monitoring equipment, supports student projects, and maintains high standards of data quality and safety.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate deployment of staff and students to field projects in South Africa and abroad.
• Oversee technical performance of field measurements, including instruments, ancillary equipment and field infrastructure.
• Develop and execute standard operating procedures, scheduled maintenance, and technical upgrades.
• Manage day‑to‑day operation of the air‑quality monitoring station, data security, and data transfers to archives and partners.
• Maintain fixed and mobile laboratory, ensuring gases and monitoring equipment are up to date.
• Procure research equipment and consumables, and ensure all atmospheric monitoring equipment is calibrated and ready for deployment.
• Implement and monitor laboratory and fieldwork safety procedures, reporting on health and safety matters.
• Provide initial, ongoing and site‑specific training to students and staff on atmospheric field measurements.
• Liaise with national and international clients and stakeholders on project requirements.

Required profile

• Certified Electrician.
• N‑Level certification in fitting, turning and metal‑work welding.
• First Aid Level 1 certificate.
• Minimum three years’ experience in project/maintenance management.
• Minimum three years’ experience operating an air‑quality monitoring station.
• Minimum three years’ experience or training in electronics and data retrieval.

Required skills

• Electrical installation and maintenance.
• Metal‑work fitting, turning and welding.
• Air‑quality monitoring instrumentation.
• Electronics troubleshooting and data acquisition.
• Solar PV system integration and battery connection (advantage).
• Calibration of atmospheric monitoring equipment.
• Health and safety management in laboratory and field settings.