Job Description

• Do you have a postgraduate qualification in biological sciences?
• Can you build effective working relationships and have excellent communication skills?
• Are you motivated to take on new challenges, and have a proven commitment to health and safety in the workplace?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is seeking a permanent, full-time Laboratory Technical Officer to join Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora - School of Biological Sciences Teaching Technician team. The team plays an important role in supporting the School’s laboratory, research, and teaching activities.

As a Laboratory Technical Officer, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of undergraduate laboratory teaching, primarily in molecular biology, with scope to support additional disciplines as required. You will work closely with academic staff to develop and deliver laboratory sessions, prepare teaching materials, and provide technical support across both laboratory and research activities, contributing to the smooth running of teaching and research operations across the School.

This is a varied role within a collaborative team. We’re looking for a proactive team player with excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships. Occasional flexibility in working hours is required to support laboratory setup and delivery, with time off in lieu provided.

If you are passionate about supporting high-quality scientific education, we encourage you to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare and set up laboratory classes to support effective undergraduate teaching.
• Comply with health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Collect, prepare, and culture biological specimens.
• Operate, maintain, and monitor laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Support research activities (technical and administrative).
• Manage inventories of equipment, reagents, and consumables.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, lab management, and outreach activities.
• Assist with laboratory risk assessments and safety audits.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

If you have a postgraduate qualification in biological sciences, a background in molecular biology, are motivated to take on new challenges, and have a proven commitment to health and safety in the workplace, we look forward to hearing from you.

Key requirements:

• Broad knowledge and practical experience in a variety of molecular biology techniques, including, for example:

  • Extraction/purification of DNA and RNA.
    • PCR amplification (including qPCR) and gel electrophoresis.
    • Basic cloning and transformation methods.
    • Protein purification and SDS-PAGE.
• Basic familiarity with techniques used in some of the following areas to provide back-up support to the team in microbiology, biochemistry and cell culture.

• Experience working in a teaching or research laboratory environment.

• Familiarity with confocal microscopy and photomicroscopy, or the ability to become proficient in these techniques.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.

• Well-developed organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Understanding of laboratory health and safety and compliance requirements.

• Effective communicator with excellent verbal and written skills.

Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 14 June 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Paul Fisher (paul.fisher@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise