The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Laboratory Technician – Chemistry.

The successful candidate will provide technical support for chemistry laboratory activities, including teaching practical sessions, supporting research projects, maintaining laboratory equipment, conducting experiments, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

The role requires a highly organized individual with strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to support students, researchers, and academic staff in laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities

Academic and Research Support

• Assist academic staff in preparing and conducting chemistry laboratory practical sessions.
• Support students during experiments, demonstrations, and laboratory activities.
• Assist in research projects involving chemical analysis, experiments, and data collection.
• Support laboratory-based research and consultancy activities.
• Assist with data collection, analysis, and preparation of technical reports.
• Guide students and staff on the safe and correct use of laboratory equipment and chemicals.
• Support workshops, practical demonstrations, and research activities.
• Maintain stocks of laboratory chemicals, reagents, materials, and equipment.
• Prepare procurement requests and maintain accurate records of laboratory resources.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operate chemistry laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Conduct routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained and functioning effectively.
• Maintain equipment records and report faults or repair needs promptly.

Quality Control and Laboratory Safety

• Conduct chemical tests, experiments, and sample analyses.
• Assist in sample preparation and laboratory investigations.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, results, and research data.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and institutional standards.
• Conduct safety checks and promote safe handling of chemicals and equipment.
• Support quality assurance processes within the laboratory.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory inventories and usage records.
• Support preparation of laboratories for practical classes and research activities.
• Collaborate with academic staff, students, and other stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Department.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree with a major in Chemistry from a recognized university with at least a Credit.
• A Master's degree in Chemistry or a related field will be an added advantage.

Additional Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A minimum of three (3) years' relevant experience in a technical support role within a recognized university, research institution, or laboratory environment.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot chemistry laboratory equipment.
• Experience conducting chemical experiments, laboratory testing, and quality control procedures.
• Experience handling research data and statistical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and chemical handling practices.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills when supporting students and academic staff.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to safety.

Terms and Conditions

Successful candidates will be appointed on an initial two-year contract, with eligibility for permanent appointment based on satisfactory performance.

Remuneration will be in accordance with the LUANAR Staff Regulations and Conditions of Service (2023) applicable to fixed-term contract staff.

• Assist academic staff in preparing and conducting chemistry laboratory practical sessions.
• Support students during experiments, demonstrations, and laboratory activities.
• Assist in research projects involving chemical analysis, experiments, and data collection.
• Support laboratory-based research and consultancy activities.
• Assist with data collection, analysis, and preparation of technical reports.
• Guide students and staff on the safe and correct use of laboratory equipment and chemicals.
• Support workshops, practical demonstrations, and research activities.
• Maintain stocks of laboratory chemicals, reagents, materials, and equipment.
• Prepare procurement requests and maintain accurate records of laboratory resources.
• Operate chemistry laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Conduct routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained and functioning effectively.
• Maintain equipment records and report faults or repair needs promptly.
• Conduct chemical tests, experiments, and sample analyses.
• Assist in sample preparation and laboratory investigations.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, results, and research data.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and institutional standards.
• Conduct safety checks and promote safe handling of chemicals and equipment.
• Support quality assurance processes within the laboratory.
• Maintain laboratory inventories and usage records.
• Support preparation of laboratories for practical classes and research activities.
• Collaborate with academic staff, students, and other stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Department.

• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot chemistry laboratory equipment.
• Experience conducting chemical experiments, laboratory testing, and quality control procedures.
• Experience handling research data and statistical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and chemical handling practices.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills when supporting students and academic staff.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to safety.

• A Bachelor's degree with a major in Chemistry from a recognized university with at least a Credit.
• A Master's degree in Chemistry or a related field will be an added advantage.