Research Assistant (Chemistry Lab)

• Are you looking for a 12-month, fixed-term contract?
• Do you have a BSc or equivalent in organic chemistry or a similar discipline?
• Have you got familiarity with undergraduate practical organic chemistry skills?

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.

Our core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These core ethical values are demonstrated in our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, inclusivity, equity, diversity, collegiality, and openness. With, and as, tangata whenua, we value Te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whai mātauranga, whanaungatanga, and akoranga.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Research Assistant (Chemistry Lab) to join Te Kāuru - Ferrier Research Institute on a 12-month, fixed-term contract.

This role will involve conducting routine and/or automated procedures in the field of synthetic organic and analytical chemistry including preparative purification of synthetic and/or biological materials. The role also includes the preparation of samples for shipment to relevant parties. Lastly, the role will also incorporate some level of institutional operational support.

This role is located within the Ferrier Research Institute, at the Gracefield (Petone) campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Have an overarching understanding of the Institute instruments to assist the management team with decision making.
• Conduct work under supervision initially, moving towards independent operation of key lab equipment including peptide/oligonucleotide synthesiser, HPLCs, microfluidic formulation mixer and automated preparative HPLC and FP-LC instruments.
• Perform synthetic organic chemistry work on a laboratory scale.
• Collect and disseminate analytical data (e.g., NMR, HPLC, mass spectrometry) on the products made to determine if they are of the required purity and to unequivocally determine the products’ chemical structures.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will be self-motivated and flexible, with high interpersonal and communication skills. You will also be able to work both independently and as part of a team and communicate within the Ferrier Research Institute as well as with external collaborators and clients.

The role will develop and maintain excellent working relationship with staff in the Ferrier Research Institute. The Research Assistant will also work with: The Institute Director, Deputy Director, Science Team Leaders, Institute Administrators, Schools at the University, Customers, industry organisations and new customers, Callaghan Innovation, GlycoSyn as required to perform effectively in the position.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum BSc or equivalent in organic chemistry or similar discipline.
• Familiarity with undergraduate practical organic chemistry skills.
• Knowledge of literature searching techniques and chemistry-specific software including Chemdraw, MestreNova (or similar), SciFinder would be beneficial.

Previous experience working in a laboratory would be advantageous.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Our team is fast-paced, likes sharing ideas, and working in a collaborative style. We offer you flexible working arrangements.

Role Description

Close Date for Vacancy: 27 September 2023

Unfortunately, applications from those without the right to work in New Zealand cannot be considered.

Contact Details for Vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Katy Kelly, Senior Administrator, Ferrier Research Institute (katy.kelly@vuw.ac.nz). But applicants should follow all steps listed below.

Important - Application Steps and information

Download and complete the University Application Form.

Then, please combine your cover letter, CV, and the University Application Form into a single file (preferably in pdf format).

Click Apply Now Button at the base of the advert. Follow the process to enter your contact details and attach your combined file (CV, cover letter and the University application form) using the “CV/Resume” button.

If you have any issues uploading your application, please email the completed application form, cover letter and CV to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.