Laboratory Technician - Physics/Chemistry

Job Objective

To ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of laboratory facilities, provide technical support for teaching and research activities, and mentor and guide students in developing practical skills and understanding of laboratory protocols.

Duties and responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory facilities, equipment, reagents, chemicals, and specimens for practical classes, research activities, and demonstrations.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
• Maintain accurate laboratory inventories by monitoring chemicals, consumables, equipment, and other laboratory supplies, and initiate procurement requests when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health, safety, environmental, and biosafety regulations, including the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Provide technical support to academic staff, researchers, and students during laboratory practical sessions, experiments, and research projects.
• Maintain laboratory records, equipment maintenance logs, stock registers, safety documentation, and other relevant reports in accordance with university policies.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of laboratory quality assurance and quality control systems.
• Inspect laboratory facilities regularly and recommend repairs, servicing, or replacement of damaged equipment to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Train and guide students and laboratory users on the proper use of laboratory equipment, safety procedures, and good laboratory practices.
• Support research, consultancy, innovation, and community outreach activities by providing technical laboratory services and performing any other related duties assigned by the supervisor.

qualification and experience

• A Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology/Diploma in Analytical Chemistry/or a closely related field in physics from a recognized institution.
• Registration with the relevant professional body, where applicable.
• At least three (3) years of relevant laboratory experience in a university, research institution, or accredited analytical laboratory.
• Demonstrated competence in the operation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments such as UV-Vis spectrophotometers, FTIR, HPLC, GC-MS, AAS, ICP-OES, or related analytical equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality management systems, including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, laboratory safety, chemical waste management, and risk assessment.
• Experience in preparing laboratory reagents, supervising practical classes, managing laboratory inventories, and maintaining laboratory records.
• Experience in preparing laboratory reagents, supervising practical classes, managing laboratory inventories, and maintaining laboratory records.
• Proficiency in standard computer applications and laboratory data management systems