Laboratory Technician (Independent Contractor) at IIE MSA and IIE Varsity College

Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). The IIE enjoys the reputation of being at the forefront of private higher education in South Africa and is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to provide higher education qualifications accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

The IIE Varsity College, Westville Campus has a vacancy for a Laboratory Technician (Independent Contractor) in the School of Engineering for the first semester in 2023.

Key Performance Areas:
The individual appointed to the role will be responsible for the following Engineering Science Laboratories:

• Civil Engineering
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering Computer Laboratory
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the laboratories, liaising with suppliers to manage the procurement of apparatus and consumables, developing a maintenance plan for the laboratories and ensuring the upkeep of all apparatus and facilities, and working closely with the ITS Department to manage all Engineering-specific software requirements. A comprehensive inventory of all apparatus and consumables must be kept at all times.
• Preparation of laboratories for practicum classes, including preparing all equipment and consumables, providing guidance and support to students during classes, in collaboration with the lecturer, and packing away all equipment after classes. An important responsibility will also be providing health and safety training to all staff and students using the laboratories and ensuring that all occupational health and safety protocols and requirements are met at all times. This will also include training students on the use of equipment during practicum classes and for their research and design projects. The laboratory technician may also be required to assist academic staff with various research projects that require the use of any of these laboratories.
• Additional Responsibilities include managing the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) evidence collection process, which includes the copying, scanning and downloading of assessments and meticulous filing thereof, both digitally and in hard copy, as well as liaising with lecturers and students to have original scripts returned to students.
• The laboratory technician may also be required to fulfil various additional administrative duties, as required by the Programmes.

Minimum Education Requirements:

• An ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Technology degree (or equivalent) within Engineering.
• A candidate who holds an appropriate National Diploma and relevant Occupational Health and Safety certification may also be considered, depending on relevant experience.
• Relevant certification within Occupational Health and Safety, as it relates to Engineering Laboratories.   

Minimum Experience Requirements:

• Must have extensive experience of managing Engineering Laboratories.
• Preferred candidates must have working experience of Occupational Health and Safety, specifically around hot work, electrical and chemical hazards and spillage management.

Working Conditions:

• Please note that this is a Part-time Independent Contractor role.
• Owing to the volume of CVs received, we may not be able to personally contact all applicants. Only individuals whose qualifications and skills most closely match the position requirements will be contacted for interviews.
• Preference will be given to South African Citizens and Permanent Residents of South Africa in possession of proof of permanent resident status.