Junior Technical Officer

Faculty of AgriSciencesDepartment of Viticulture and Oenology Junior Technical Officer (Twelve-month fixed-term contract) (Ref. AW11/081/0218)

Duties

• Providing technical support to research, which includes:Responsible for general CA Lab analysis, including setting up instruments, as well as basic data interpretation and quantification;
• Preparing samples;
• Preparing analytical reports that include calibration curves;
• Receiving and logging samples and ordering chemicals and consumables;
• Performing general tasks to support the laboratory manager in the functions of the laboratory;
• Laboratory coordination and administration: (i) central entry point for enquiries and coordination of the lab's daily functioning;
  • (ii) monitoring and ordering chemicals and consumables;
  • (iii) equipment servicing and obtaining quotes.Providing assistance with setting up analysis for undergraduate grape and wine analyses practicals (from 2019).Departmental administration, which includes:Administrative duties related to infrastructure/facilities: maintenance fault logging and follow-ups, ordering supplies, recycling, waste management.

Job Requirements

• BSc Hons with Chemistry and /or Biochemistry, or relevant field;
• Subject knowledge of analytical chemistry;
• Knowledge of setting up analytical instruments, laboratory techniques and safety procedures;
• Experience with GCMS and/or GCFID and/or HPLC and/or IR analysis and/or enzymatic robot;
• Practical experience in analysis, including sample preparation and high throughput analyses;
• Excellent planning, organisational and time-management skills;
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a team;
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills, and the ability to re-adjust planning to suit changing situations;
• Excellent communication skills in Afrikaans and English, with an emphasis on the ability to communicate scientifically, using appropriate methodologies;
• Ability to communicate and interact professionally with academics;
• Good computer skills of at least the MS Office package.

Recommendation

• Human resource skills in terms of the training of staff and students;
• General knowledge of Stellenbosch University, the Faculty of AgriSciences and departmental policies, guidelines and procedures            related to the functions of this job would be an advantage;
• General knowledge of the South African wine industry.

How To Apply

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of the staff corps, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and e-mail address of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Apply online by using the "Apply Now" link. Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments. The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates. Should no feedback be received from the University within four weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed

Enquiries regarding job content: Dr Astrid Buica on 021 808 9201, or on abuica@sun.ac.za Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Service Centre on 021 808 2753