Kairuruku | Research Assistant in Chemical Inventory
- Have you got experience with hazardous chemical handling?
- Are you studying for or have completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, or a related field?
- Can you be self-motivated and work in a fast-paced environment alongside other high-performing researchers?
Korero mo te turanga - About the role
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a qualified and highly motivated Kairuruku - Research Assistant in Chemical Inventory to join the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute team on a fixed-term, full-time basis.
We are seeking someone with ambition who wants to develop their research career within an academic R&D environment and has the ability to conceptualise and originate new ideas that are outside industry norms. Paihau - Robinson works closely with commercial partners and carries out mission-oriented R&D, so the preferred candidate should have the desire to see their work implemented with partners.
You will lead the migration of chemicals to a new inventory management system at the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute. This work will expose you to multiple teams across the Institute, but will primarily be based as part of the Clean Materials team.
Key responsibilities:
- Identify and perform data entry for each unique chemical into the Chemlist inventory system, with over 600 chemicals to be input from an existing inventory.
- Correctly barcode label individual chemical containers, working consistently to ensure all containers are correctly inventoried.
- Safely handle a diverse range of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, following best laboratory practise.
- Work safely in multi-user laboratory settings, where other users may be performing active experiments.
O pumanawa - About you
The preferred candidate will:
- Be studying for or have completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, or with experience with hazardous chemical handling in related fields.
- Bring a positive attitude to staff and students alike and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Have excellent communication skills and a passion for detail-orientated work.
- Have practical implementation skills.
- Be a strong team player able to work closely with collaborators from multiple partner organisations.
- Be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment alongside other high-performing researchers.
Prior experience with the Chemlist management system is helpful but not required.
Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.
If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.
Close date for vacancy: 30 June 2026.
Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Jeannie Redman, Institute Manager ([email protected]).
How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.
Mo Te Herenga Waka - About Our University
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.
Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.
