Laboratory Manager

Job description

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DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY | TE TARI TĀTAI AROWHENUA
DIVISION OF SCIENCES | TE ROHE A AHIKĀROA

The University of Otago is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Department Laboratory Manager for a part-time (0.6 FTE) role.

The successful applicant will oversee laboratory facilities housed in the Geology Building on our Dunedin, NZ campus.

The starting date is flexible, although late 2025 is preferred.

The role | Te mahi

Our geochemistry, petrology, sedimentology, fossil preparation, paleomag and geophysics labs support both fundamental research and innovative teaching across a broad range of Earth science subdisciplines.

As department lab manager, you will help us make the most of our facilities, establishing, implementing and maintaining processes that ensure that our laboratories and research units are safe and functional workplaces for our staff, students and visitors.

You will look after our laboratory infrastructure; develop and lead projects to improve the functionality of existing labs; oversee chemical inventories, handling and disposal; provide training and supervision for lab users; and liaise with other DLMs across the university to enable cross-facility access for both Geology and outside users.

Although the primary responsibility for this role is oversight of Geology Building laboratories, you will be joining a collaborative team of Laboratory Managers across our three key facilities: The Geology Building, the Centre for Trace Element Analysis (CTEA) and the Otago Repository for Core Analysis (ORCA).

Key duties include:
• Ensuring the Geology Building laboratories meet University and government safety standards, including PPE, first aid and hazardous substance protocols.
• Managing small teams of technical staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and visitors.
• Conducting and overseeing inductions for staff, students, and visitors, including specialist geochemistry training and use of specialist equipment.
• Coordinating maintenance, repairs, and upgrades in collaboration with internal and external service providers.
• Overseeing chemical inventory, storage, disposal, and documentation.


• Serve as backup for MPI Biological Compliance operations related to geological research.
• Lead initiatives to enhance lab functionality and support research needs across the department.

Skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

To be successful in this role, you will have:
• An MSc or equivalent in the geosciences, chemical sciences or related physical field.
• Experience working in a geochemistry or chemistry research or commercial laboratory.
• Experience developing and maintaining professional laboratory procedures.
• Experience managing and training staff and students.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with academic, technical, and administrative staff.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

At Otago, you’ll be part of a vibrant academic community committed to excellence in research and teaching.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of geological sciences while ensuring our labs remain safe, efficient, and innovative spaces.

About our team | Mō te tīma

Our department is recognised internationally for the quality and breadth of our research and our graduates.

We are the PBRF-top-ranked department in the Division of Sciences at the University of Otago (2018 Performance-Based Research Fund quality evaluation results).

Our research and teaching is linked strongly to the dynamic geology of New Zealand, the Southern Ocean, and Antarctica.

In particular, we emphasise process-related research that uses our understanding of the Earth’s geologic past to contribute to solutions to many of the world’s pressing environmental problems.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a permanent, part-time (22.5 hours per week) position located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The salary level for this position has been provisionally evaluated as Level 6 ($75,631 to $80,503, top of range $88,750 per annum, pro rata) and is subject to change.

We offer competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave , a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance and plenty of professional development opportunities

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours.

This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

Required Skill Profession

Life, Physical, And Social Science Technicians