Laboratory Technician
(Payclass 7 – Permanent Post)
Crystallization and Precipitation Research Unit
Department of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering Built Environment
The Crystallization and Precipitation Research Unit, in the Department of Chemical Engineering, seeks to appoint a full-time
Laboratory Technician from 1st August 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter on a permanent basis. If you have the required
qualifications and experience, you are invited to submit your application for this position.
The main purpose of this position is to assist the Laboratory Manager with the overall smooth and safe operation of the three
Crystallization and Precipitation Laboratories and to maintain all associated materials and equipment as well as providing technical
support for staff and post graduate students in the unit. The ideal candidate should be a team player with excellent inter-personal
skills and good level of self-management.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Maintaining proper laboratory procedures and protocols, including general housekeeping and maintaining laboratory
discipline amongst users

Control and update equipment inventories and keep a record of all equipment borrowed and returned.

Assist with maintenance schedules and logs of laboratory equipment

Control the general consumables and glassware

Prepare purchase orders for chemicals after obtaining quotations and follow up on deliveries and maintain an up-to-date
inventory of chemicals in the CPU laboratories

Maintain proper procedures for waste disposal and to co-ordinate the disposal of waste from CPU laboratories

Provide assistance and setting up relevant teaching and research equipment for staff and post graduate students etc.

Assist undergraduate and post graduate students on the use of large analytical equipment, such as Malvern Laser
Diffraction, Coulter Counter electro-zone sensing instruments, LABMAX

Ensure a safe working environment in the laboratories and to fulfill the role as assistant Safety Officer for CPU

The incumbent is expected to help with ad hoc duties which arise from time to time such as assisting with photocopying
and collating of lecture notes

Interact in a polite and professional manner with all staff and students in the laboratories
Requirements:

A relevant qualification e.g. Diploma or BTech in Chemical Engineering / Chemistry, BSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry,
Health or Food Sciences or related disciplines

3 to 5 years’ experience working in a multi-user laboratory

Computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Outlook (E-mail, essential), Data Management (advantageous)

Excellent interpersonal skills

Excellent time management

Problem solving skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work as part of a team and with own initiative

Physical ability to lift and handle heavy loads (up to 30kg)
The annual cost of employment, benefits (where applicable), is between R187 412 and R220 493.
Application process:
To apply, please e-mail the completed UCT Application form (HR201) and all other relevant documentation as indicated on the
form, with the subject line “Laboratory Technician” followed by the reference number to Mrs Rene September at
Rene.September@uct.ac.za
Address: University of Cape Town, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Department of Chemical Engineering, Private
Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7700
Telephone: +27 21 650 4367
Faculty Website: www.ebe.uct.ac.za
The application form can be downloaded at http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/hr201.doc
An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted
candidates will be contacted.
Reference number for this position: I-2750
Closing date for applications: 28 May 2013
UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at
http://www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf