Research Chemistry Technician - Te Kura Mātai Matū | School of Chemical Sciences

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The Research Chemistry Technician role at Te Whiwhinga mahi offers hands on technical support across the School of Chemical Sciences, helping keep laboratories, equipment and the Chemistry Stores running to enable world leading research. You’ll manage consumables, chemicals and hazardous substances, maintain and calibrate instrumentation, support safe use of facilities, coordinate inductions, and collaborate with researchers, suppliers and service providers to improve operations. The ideal candidate will have chemistry lab experience, practical instrument knowledge, strong health and safety understanding, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to build relationships with researchers and colleagues; a chemistry qualification or equivalent practical experience is welcome. This full time permanent position pays 63,600 to 79,300 dollars, with flexible work options and benefits. Apply online by 6 August 2026 with a cover letter and CV; for a confidential chat contact Tim Layt at [email protected] (applications must be submitted online).

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Ko te whare Pūtaiao | The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the largest and most highly ranked science faculty in New Zealand. The Faculty of Science is ranked among the top 90 science faculties worldwide by the QS World University Rankings. The 10 departments and schools that form the Faculty of Science represent the breadth and diversity of science in our modern world.

Our staff and students can connect with our flagship groups including Tuākana, Rainbow, Women of Colour, Māori, Pacific, Muslim, and Disabled Staff network and our Waipapa Marae.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Support world-leading research. Enable scientific discovery.

Do you enjoy solving practical problems, working with cutting-edge laboratory equipment, and helping researchers achieve exceptional results?

We're looking for a Research Chemistry Technician to join our Technical Services team and provide specialist technical support to the School of Chemical Sciences' research laboratories and Chemistry Stores.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside leading researchers, support innovative scientific projects, and play an essential role in maintaining safe, efficient and well-equipped research environments.

As a Research Chemistry Technician, you'll be at the heart of our research operations. You'll support multiple research groups by ensuring laboratories, specialist equipment and chemistry stores operate smoothly every day.

From managing laboratory consumables and hazardous substances to maintaining sophisticated instrumentation and supporting researchers with technical expertise, your work will directly contribute to world-class research outcomes.

No two days are the same. One day you might be coordinating deliveries of specialist chemicals and compressed gases, the next maintaining laboratory instrumentation, supporting researchers with equipment, or improving laboratory systems and processes.

Ngā Haepapa Matua | Key Responsibilities (not limited too):

In this varied and hands-on role, you will:

• Provide technical support across a range of chemistry research laboratories.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Chemistry Stores, including laboratory consumables, chemicals, compressed gases and hazardous substances.
• Receive, prepare and distribute laboratory materials and equipment.
• Maintain specialist laboratory equipment through calibration, servicing and preventative maintenance.
• Support researchers and students in the safe and effective use of laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Manage chemical inventories, hazardous substances and laboratory waste in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate laboratory inductions and promote a strong culture of health, safety and compliance.
• Work collaboratively with researchers, academic staff, suppliers and service providers to ensure laboratories operate efficiently.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory operations and the research experience.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) permanent position

Remuneration: $63,600 - $79,300 per annum, dependent on experience

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description 

He kōrero mōu | About you

You're someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with practical problem-solving and takes pride in delivering outstanding service to researchers and colleagues.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Experience working in a chemistry laboratory or research environment.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory instrumentation, equipment and chemical handling.
• A strong understanding of laboratory health and safety practices.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confidence building positive relationships with researchers, students and colleagues.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a willingness to learn new systems and technologies.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality laboratory standards.

A qualification in Chemistry or a related discipline would be an advantage, although we also welcome applications from people who have developed equivalent technical knowledge through relevant industry or laboratory experience.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 6th August 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV, highlighting how you can meet the skills and experience detailed above.

Please reach out to Tim Layt (Technical Manager) via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email. 

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz