Senior Laboratory Technician

About the role

The Senior Laboratory Technician will support the Climatology Research Group by managing both laboratory and field operations. This permanent position involves overseeing atmospheric monitoring stations, ensuring data quality, and providing technical training to students and staff.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate deployment of staff and students to field projects in South Africa and abroad.
• Oversee technical performance of field measurements, instruments, and infrastructure.
• Implement standard operating procedures, scheduled maintenance, and equipment upgrades.
• Manage day‑to‑day operation of atmospheric monitoring stations, data security, and data transfers.
• Collate, quality‑control, archive, and transfer research data.
• Perform electrical and electronic installations in the laboratory and field.
• Maintain fixed and mobile laboratory equipment, including gases and monitoring devices.
• Procure research equipment and consumables.
• Ensure all monitoring equipment is calibrated and ready for deployment.
• Develop and enforce health and safety measures for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Provide initial, ongoing, and site‑specific training on atmospheric measurements.
• Liaise with national and international clients and stakeholders on project requirements.
• Carry out ad‑hoc tasks as directed by line management.

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.
• Solar certification (battery connection, PV & communication systems) is an advantage.

Required skills

• Electrical installation and maintenance.
• Metal‑work welding.
• Operation of air‑quality monitoring equipment.
• Electronics troubleshooting and data retrieval.
• Calibration of atmospheric monitoring instruments.
• Solar battery connection and PV communication systems.
• Project management and procurement.
• Health and safety management.