Position Title:  Senior Technical Officer

Requisition ID:  508

Department:  Faculty of Eng & Built Env

City:  Cape Town

SENIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER

(3-Year Fixed Term Contract; Payclass 9)

Future Water Research Institute

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Applications are invited for the post of Senior Technical Officer for the Future Water research institute at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. The vision of Future Water is of water-resilient futures for African populations, where all people and settlements have access to adequate, fit-for-purpose water. Future Water’s mission is to provide strategic research, science communication, and capacity development to address water scarcity and quality issues to support sustainable and liveable human settlements. This role will support Future Water to achieve its research strategy; providing technical analytical (water chemistry, laboratory management and administration) capacity; assisting with the development of research proposals and communication with laboratory equipment providers and funders; providing monitoring and tracking of technical / laboratory aspects of research projects managed by Future Water; supporting Future Water’s technical communication and branding. 

Requirements for the position:

• Honours degree in water-related field with a strong background in chemistry and/or environmental chemistry.
• 2 or more years of work experience in laboratory / analytical settings (some at management and coordination level), including development of laboratory methods and responsibility for analytical equipment
• 2 or more years of experience in water/environment sectors, in a research / consultancy setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as demonstrated ability in data management
• A valid driver’s license.

The following will be advantageous:

• MSc degree (or nearly completed) in a water-related field, with a strong background in chemistry and/or environmental chemistry
• Experience in science and technical writing, project / financial, management and/or team coordination
• Experience with modelling software and GIS software
• Field-work research experience

Responsibilities include:

• Experimental research design and analysis of water quality samples associated with research projects and management /maintenance of analytical equipment
• Coordinate and develop analytical methods, establish, and manage laboratory and technical equipment including across campus database (building towards a Future Water physical / virtual lab)
• Support Future Water staff with research and related activities linked to water quality analysis
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders
• Coordinate and contribute to Future Water’s technical activities/events and communication/branding
• Monitor / track resources (personnel, students, funding, outputs, equipment etc.) associated with the technical research portfolio for purposes of reporting
• Contribute to the submission of research reports, publications and proposals with inputs on analytical methodologies, laboratory analyses and equipment

The 2023 annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R465 633 and R547 802.

To apply, please visit the UCT Internal Careers site (For Internal Applicants) and UCT Careers site (For external Applicants) to create a profile and submit your application. 

Please ensure you complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application: 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Motivation/Cover letter that speaks to the specific requirements of the position.
• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.
• Education certificates.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo an assessment and references may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any inquiries for this position are to be addressed to Ms Abigail Dixon at recruitment03@uct.ac.za or 021 650 1673.

Closing Date:  24 January 2024             Website:  www.futurewater.uct.ac.za

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

All the best with your applications