Position Summary

Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: EE
Level: Skilled

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of “Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the context of the changing social, political and economic fortunes of Africa”.

Job description

The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE) prides itself in its vibrant, dynamic and diverse engineering community of scholars who are passionate about enhancing the learning experience of students, enhancing the research profile of the Faculty and enhancing the academic, social and economic impact of the Faculty’s teaching and research programmes.
The Department of Chemical Engineering Technology (situated on Doornfontein Campus (DFC)) offers accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. It is seated in the School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering (SOMMCE), and the overarching Faculty.

Job Specifications: 

The successful incumbent will be expected to fulfil the responsibilities of a Technician which include the following:

Responsibilities:

  • Consistently support undergraduates, postgraduates and staff with the use of equipment's in the laboratory (liaise with the respective project supervisors in the Department; liaise with Departmental research project co-ordinator as well as train new staff members on the use of the lab equipment and tools)
  • Ensure that the required materials, equipment and/or chemicals are ready for use for effective time management (stock control of the laboratories via spreadsheet (Excel) as well as record and maintain clear retrievable records, lab reports and timesheets of all work performed)
  • Manage, maintain and repair the equipment to ensure effective and efficient operations (maintain and repair the equipment to ensure effective and efficient use to minimise and manage the downtime)
  • Support the lecturers in the efficient running of the laboratory sessions, related to the technical aspects required (liaise with the lecturers to ensure the efficient running of the laboratory sessions, related to the technical aspects required)
  • Set up laboratory equipment needed for the experiment and make sure the tools and equipment's are clean and fully functional (ensure the equipment for lab practicals in each upcoming Term is operational and serviced timeously)
  • Ensure security measures are in place for consumables and equipment within the facilities for a clean and safe working area
  • Oversee health and safety in laboratory and workshop facilities (perform duties of SHE representative as required)
  • Ensure that all software on applicable equipment in the Chemical Engineering facilities are updated yearly (organise training for students as applicable)
  • Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the Department in terms of laboratory utilisation (attend Operational Forum (if Head: Technician unavailable); attend Occupational Health and Safety Meetings (adhoc basis)
  • Zero tolerance for health and safety issues in accordance to the OHS Act (adhere to OHS Act requirements in the laboratories)
  • Facilitate scheduled experiments for students at responsible labs (facilitate the technical preparation of laboratory according to the relevant procedures on a daily basis)
  • Supervise and oversee students while doing their practicals (ensure orderliness and precision of specialised equipment for effective running of the laboratory)
  • Be available for student consultation (provision of training on all undergraduate lab equipment (e.g. shakers, centrifuge) and analytical instruments in the Department (particle size analyser, atomic absorption spectrometer, Karl Fischer titrator, UV-Vis spectrometer, rheometer, GC etc.)) 
  • Assist with undergrad and postgrad research and operate equipment (to be responsible for the overall functioning of the laboratory and to facilitate transfer of technical skills and knowledge to ensure best laboratory practice to support and achieve structured goals for practical application)
  • Identify and implement individual value add initiatives (attend HR training and training workshops aligned to work role and responsibilities)

Minimum requirements

  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Chemical Engineering or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Chemical Engineering
  • 3 – 5 years’ job experience in laboratory environment
 
Skills/ Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

  • Excellent Computer skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
  • Knowledge of OHS Act
  • Proficient in English as well as preferably communicate in another official South African language
  • ·Excellent verbal and written communication skills (e.g. technical report writing)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Good problem-solving, technical, precision and numerical skills
  • Organisational skills in academic administration and student management
  • A flexible and versatile team player who will work and excel in any environment
  • Highly organised and efficient with excellent follow-through abilities
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliability and integrity
  • Good listening skills
  • Practice patience
  • Good project, people and time management
  • Ability to work under pressure in a complex environment
  • A strong sense of responsibilities (i.e. manage one’s own time, to be available when needed) 
 
Recommendations:
 
·       Incumbent must have experience in Chemical Engineering
·       Registration or eligibility for registration as a professional engineer/ technologist (with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)) will be a distinct advantage
 
ENQUIRIES:

FOR RELATED HR MATTERS PLEASE CONTACT to HRBP: Ms NE Ntsimane on (011) 559 3010

 

Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.

If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

 

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