Job Overview

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

The successful candidate will support teaching, research, and practical learning activities within the Computer Science discipline. The role involves providing technical assistance to students and academic staff, maintaining computer laboratory systems, supporting research activities, and ensuring reliable operation of computing equipment and related technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Academic and Research Support

• Assist academic staff in preparing and conducting practical computer laboratory sessions.
• Provide technical support during programming, software development, and computing practicals.
• Support research activities through data management, computing resources, and technical assistance.
• Assist with data collection, analysis, and preparation of technical reports.
• Guide students and staff on the effective use of computer systems, software applications, and digital tools.
• Support workshops, demonstrations, and technology-based learning activities.
• Maintain records of laboratory resources, equipment usage, and software installations.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Manage and maintain computer laboratory equipment and systems.
• Install, configure, and update software applications and operating systems.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network-related technical issues.
• Conduct routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance of computer systems.
• Ensure all computing equipment meets operational and safety standards.

Quality Control and Compliance

• Monitor the functionality and availability of laboratory systems.
• Maintain accurate records of technical issues, repairs, and maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with institutional IT policies and procedures.
• Support data security and responsible use of computing resources.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist in managing laboratory schedules and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with academic staff and relevant stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Department.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering from a recognized university with at least a Credit.
• A Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, 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 similar environment.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware and software systems.
• Experience supporting programming environments, databases, networks, or related computing technologies.
• Experience handling research data and statistical or analytical tools.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills when working with students and academic staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to service delivery.

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 practical computer laboratory sessions.
• Provide technical support during programming, software development, and computing practicals.
• Support research activities through data management, computing resources, and technical assistance.
• Assist with data collection, analysis, and preparation of technical reports.
• Guide students and staff on the effective use of computer systems, software applications, and digital tools.
• Support workshops, demonstrations, and technology-based learning activities.
• Maintain records of laboratory resources, equipment usage, and software installations.
• Manage and maintain computer laboratory equipment and systems.
• Install, configure, and update software applications and operating systems.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network-related technical issues.
• Conduct routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance of computer systems.
• Ensure all computing equipment meets operational and safety standards.
• Monitor the functionality and availability of laboratory systems.
• Maintain accurate records of technical issues, repairs, and maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with institutional IT policies and procedures.
• Support data security and responsible use of computing resources.
• Assist in managing laboratory schedules and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with academic staff and relevant stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Department.

• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware and software systems.
• Experience supporting programming environments, databases, networks, or related computing technologies.
• Experience handling research data and statistical or analytical tools.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to service delivery.

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering from a recognized university with at least a Credit.
• A Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field will be an added advantage.