Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Ko te whare Pūtaiao/The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the leading science faculty in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. It undertakes world-class research across the physical, biological, and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students' study in our 10 schools and departments, learning from internationally renowned lecturers.  As a School, we are striving to provide a School that reflects the demographics of our student base and Aotearoa. Our staff and students can connect with our: Rainbow and Women in Science networks, Parenting support, our Waipapa Marae and our flagship Tuākana Māori and Pacific support programme.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and organised Technologist to operate and maintain the School of Environment X-ray analytical Research Laboratories in our Microcharacterisation Facility. 

In this role, you will providing expert input to research project planning, working with academic stakeholders to codevelop experimental designs to best apply the facility’s capability to the research question; Identify opportunities to develop entirely new approaches or bespoke methods to address academic stakeholders research questions, and work independently to develop and test these; provide operational and analytical support for primarily X-ray based equipment and facilities managed by the School of Environment. The appointed candidate will be primarily responsible for the ongoing maintenance, technical support, and operation of key research equipment, including, but not limited to:

• Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF)
• Cox Analytical Itrax Core Scanner
• X-ray Preparation facilities

Along with running a state-of-the-art laboratory, you will provide strong analytical expertise and training to users who could be academics, students, or commercial users. You will also ensure compliance and health and safety requirements are met. 

This is a fulltime (37.5 hours per week), permanent position.
Remuneration:  $66,600 - $74,500 dependent on experience

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

This position will primarily support the School of Environment which is home to a vibrant group of over 60 academic staff and 170 post-graduate students pursuing diverse interests in the social and natural worlds. Along with their internationally recognised disciplinary programmes in Geography, Geology, Geophysics and Geographical Information Science, they offer interdisciplinary programmes in Earth Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Science and Environmental Change. The academic staff have research interests in a wide range of disciplines including ecosystem ecology; social entrepreneurship; indigenous environmental values; coral reef formation; engineering geology; marine geoscience; climate change; volcanic hazards, and more.

The School of Environment technical team is made up of; 2 Technologists, 5 Senior Technicians and 1 Technician who support staff and research students using our shared spaces. The team are highly skilled with specialties in environmental chemistry, electron microprobe analysis, palaeontology, GIS, geography, earth science, lapidary preparation, sedimentology, hydrology and field operations. The team collaborates with academic staff to deliver high quality research and data analysis in over 30 specialty research laboratories.

He kōrero mōu | About you

Our ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Geochemistry, Earth Science or a related discipline with essential experience with X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Experience in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting scientific analytical equipment and facilities
• Excellent communication skills as you will be working with a wide range of stakeholders
• A positive can-do attitude and a team player nature

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Why work with us?

We offer an opportunity within New Zealand’s leading University that will have a positive impact on the lives of students. We also offer:

• Five weeks’ annual leave per annum
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution
• Over 300 different career development courses and programme 
• Discounted parking and various leisure and recreation services
• A diverse and inclusive working environment

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 15 December 2022 to be considered.  Interviews to take place 20 – 22 December 2022.  Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Susan Williams via [email protected] should you have any questions. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz