Call for Applications

Post of Laboratory Manager

Department of Conservation and Built Heritage – Faculty for the Built Environment

The University of Malta invites applications for the full-time post of Laboratory Manager in the Department of Conservation and Built Heritage within the Faculty for the Built Environment of the University of Malta.

Eligibility

Applicant should be in possession of:

• Bachelor’s degree (at least Merit Classification/Upper Second Class classification) in any one of the following or a combination thereof: chemistry, materials science, mechanical or materials engineering, physics, or related subjects;
• Five (5) or more years in an analytical laboratory, primarily focusing on instrumental analysis, and maintaining same equipment, will be considered an asset, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience;
• Demonstrable experience in management and leadership skills, as well as ability to work in a team, will be an asset.

Due preference will be given to candidates who are in possession of a Master’s degree (at least Merit Classification/Upper Second-Class classification) in any one of the following or a combination thereof, or related subjects: chemistry, materials science, mechanical or materials engineering, physics. 

Experience in the use, and maintenance, of SEM, XRD, XRF, Raman, FTIR will be considered an asset, as well as experience in preparing Sops for same. The chosen candidate will ideally also have experience in developing and implementing health and safety protocols also in relation to radiation hazards. 

Fluency in English (written and spoken) and good writing skills will also be required. In addition, it will be favourably considered if the candidate has experience working in heritage science/ heritage materials in an analytical/research environment and also has experience in Health and Safety and waste management related to chemicals, and analytical and other scientific instruments, as listed above. 

Salary

The salary to the post for 2023 is €31,903 rising by annual increments of €641 up to €35,776. Candidates will be entitled to an annual bonus related to performance of 0% to 8% of basic salary.

Application Procedures

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

Applications should be received by Wednesday, 22 February 2023.

Late applications will not be considered.

Further Information:

The remit of the Department is to focus, in a wide sense, on the problems of the existing urban and heritage fabric, as well as the conservation of Cultural Heritage. Particular attention is also given to the composition and properties, behaviour, deterioration and conservation of local traditional building materials, wall paintings, easel paintings and other works of art. The Department fulfils its remit through teaching and research on a wide variety of topics within and related to the fields of conservation and management of Cultural Heritage, also in international fora, regular publications and outreach activities.

Candidates shall:

• Be a good team-player, able to collaborate closely with colleagues and interact appropriately with students and researchers.
• Be fluent in the English language and be numerate.
• Possess very good verbal and writing skills (in English).
• Possess good interpersonal, organisational and communication skills.
• Possess good administration skills.
• Be organised, enthusiastic and ambitious. 
• Be able to work independently and under minimum supervision, and show initiative and leadership skills.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Report to Head of Department and liaise directly with departmental academic and research staff 
• Prepare and keep laboratory spaces pertaining to the Department in clean and orderly manner
• Learn proper operation of equipment, especially but not only portable equipment, be available to operate such instruments when needed by staff, researchers and students, and help train colleagues and students in same
• Learn proper maintenance of equipment and ensure that all equipment pertaining to the Department is always clean, properly maintained, in good working condition and calibrated, and all spare parts and consumables available and appropriately stored and inventoried
• Help in the commissioning of, and training on, new analytical equipment
• Liaise with suppliers especially in keeping all equipment up to date and in good working order
• Obtain quotations and prepare purchase orders for spare parts, consumables and other laboratory items
• Prepare and maintain inventories and log books, and organize laboratory equipment and consumables
• Establish and implement equipment maintenance procedures and schedule
• Establish user protocols (SOPs) for each instrument; keep manuals in both hardcopy and digital forms, and keep same in an orderly way and read fashion
• Keep laptop and equipment passwords safe but readily available to Departmental staff
• Ensure that software which operates laptops and equipment is always updated and virus-free
• Organise and manage the movement of portable equipment and check same before loan, and after each return of equipment
• Keep a record of equipment movement and use by organising and keeping detailed records of same
• Liaise with appropriate University personnel to ensure insurance policies are in place, always updated and applicable to use and location of equipment, whether portable or otherwise
• Seek out and implement appropriate health and safety protocols for the use of equipment, including radiation safety protocols, as well as laboratory consumables; liaise with University of Malta H & S officer/s and RSSD manager to set up and operate same
• Maintain hazardous waste storage and disposal systems according to Maltese Law and University of Malta regulations
• Liaise with other university technical staff to maintain laboratories, implement modifications, follow proper university protocols, order materials
• Support academic/research staff and students in analytical and other laboratory-related work
• Prepare risk assessment reports for H & S reasons and in relation to insurance requirements
• Any other relevant duties as may be required by the University.

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; and
• At such places and during such hours as may be determined by the University authorities.

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”

(https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/policiesprocedures).

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
• Performance in interview

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

Office of the University,

Msida, 8 February 2023

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