Call for Applications

Post of Laboratory Assistant / Laboratory Officer

Natural Sciences Area - Junior College

A vacancy currently exists within the Natural Sciences Area of the Junior College for the post of Laboratory Officer. The appointee will be required to work mainly in the Biology department, but also as required within the Natural Sciences Area.

Eligibility

For the position of Laboratory Assistant, applicants must be in possession of:

• An Advanced Diploma in Applied Sciences (MQF Level 4); or
• At least five (5) years experience in a laboratory environment and hold passes at SEC Level in at least five (5) subjects, Mathematics, English Language and another language, preferably Maltese.

The position of Laboratory Officer requires the post holder to be in possession of: -

• A relevant University degree (MQF Level 6) in Physics and Chemistry or Biology and Chemistry or Physics and Biology or relevant degree in Science; or
• Relevant Higher Diploma (MQF Level 5) in a relevant area or equivalent qualifications; or
• One (1) ‘A’ level (in a related subject) and five (5) ‘O’ Level passes together with five (5) years experience in a laboratory environment;
• Five (5) years experience in the grade of Laboratory Assistant.

Skills, Knowledge and Competencies:

• A knowledge of basic laboratory safety and standard practices
• Fluency in computer applications
• Good motivational skills and the ability to work under limited supervision
• Capable of working on own initiative with limited supervision
• Ability to work as a team
• Positive attitude and seeks improvement
• Willingly takes up new tasks
• Adaptable to changes in the work environment
• Good communication skills
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Ready to engage in professional development 
• A good level of spoken and written English

Salary Details

Laboratory Assistant: €16,635 rising by annual increments of €298 up to €18,423. On completion of four years of service in this grade, the appointee will, on satisfactory performance, be entitled to move on to the next salary band with annual increments of €317 up to a maximum of €19,734. After a further period of three years, the appointee will on satisfactory performance be entitled to move on to the next band with annual increments of €335 up to a maximum of €21,097.

Laboratory Officer: The annual salary of 2023 is €21,741 rising by annual increments of €375 up to €23,991. On completion of four years of service in this grade, the appointee will, on satisfactory performance, be entitled to move on to the next salary band with annual increments of €408 up to a maximum of €25,613. After a further period of two years, the appointee will on satisfactory performance be entitled to move on to the next band with annual increments of €447 up to a maximum of €27,369.

Application Procedures

Candidates are required to upload their covering letter, curriculum vitae, and certificates (certificates should preferably be submitted in English) through this form: https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/workatum-general

Applications should be received by Tuesday, 7 November 2023

Late applications will not be considered.

Further Information

Key Duties

The appointee will be required to:

• Carry out all duties related to the preparation of practicals and laboratory examination sessions;
• Assist academic staff during the practical sessions;
• Assist academic staff in procurement of chemicals, laboratory items and teaching material;
• Maintain and update all records, including logbooks and standard operating procedures for laboratory chemicals and equipment;
• Under the guidance of academic staff, prepare new experiments and modify existing ones;
• Take care of the stocktaking of the equipment and chemicals in the laboratories;
• Assist in the preparation and participate in field work related to the science area;
• Take care of the chemical and equipment stores of the science area;
• Assist in the waste management plan for the science area;
• Assist in other duties as directed by the Area or Subject Coordinator.

The appointee is expected to work:

• on a full-time basis, and will not be allowed to engage in any other gainful employment without the permission of the Council;  
• at such places and during such hours as may be determined by the University of Malta.

The Selection Procedures:

• The evaluation of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application).
• Short-listing of candidates.
• An invitation to short-listed candidates to a Selection Board interview.

The Selection Process:

The selection process will follow the document “Guidelines for Members of Selection Boards in the Recruitment of Administrative, Technical and Industrial Staff”

(http://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/services/recruitment).

In accordance with the guidelines, members of the Selection Board will establish the following selection criteria for the selection process:

• Relevant academic qualifications
• Relevant work experience
• Aptitude and suitability; and
• Performance in interview

The appointment will be subject to a probationary period of six months and to the provisions of the Statutes, Regulations and Bye-Laws of the University of Malta which are now or which may hereafter be in force.

The University of Malta is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Office of the University

Msida, 24 October 2023

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