Research Technologist (Materials Science) (0,5 rate, maternity leave cover)

Purpose of the position

Conducts analyses and measurements, trains users, performs routine maintenance, prepares for analyses , and calibrates assigned equipment in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to ensure accuracy, reproducibility of measurements, and compliance with safe working conditions.

Responsibilities (tasks, key areas of responsibility and functions)

Strategic and operational management of the Division's activities:

1. Conscientiously following the instructions and orders of the immediate supervisor, providing timely feedback, informing about the progress of work and ensuring the achievement of expected results;
2. Maintaining regular and transparent communication with the immediate supervisor regarding operational status, risk areas, personnel issues and strategic opportunities within the Unit;
3. actively promoting and implementing the goals and initiatives of the immediate supervisor and the Head of the Unit, acting as a role model and providing assistance to staff, partners and users

Providing access to the University's research equipment and assisting in conducting scientific measurements:

1. Conducting experiments and measurements on equipment in the field of analytical chemistry, materials science, microscopy, biology;
2. collection and study of scientific and technical information, followed by analysis and theoretical generalization of the results of experiments and measurements, as well as preparation of reports;
3. providing technical advice to researchers, faculty and students when carrying out experimental and laboratory work within the framework of the university’s research projects;
4. providing consultations and training to new equipment users, monitoring the work of other users;
5. ensuring the provision of high-quality scientific services to the University’s research staff and researchers;
6. interacting with users to discuss experimental needs, technical issues, development and subsequent implementation of protocols to provide effective services to users, including acting as a contact person for the prompt resolution of problematic and conflict situations;

Management of research equipment and laboratory facilities:

1. Ensuring efficient and continuous operation of laboratory equipment through periodic diagnostics and preventive maintenance;
2. carrying out timely repairs using our own resources and/or with the involvement of qualified specialists in the event of breakdowns and malfunctions in the operation of equipment;
3. Ensuring a high level of technical operation of research equipment through periodic calibration and adjustment of various equipment components in accordance with developed instructions and other technical documentation;
4. participation in the development of plans for the technical equipment of laboratories, the acquisition of laboratory equipment and consumables in accordance with the requests of the University’s scientific community and the needs of research projects;
5. participation in the development of laboratory passports, rules and procedures regarding safety in laboratories and during the operation of scientific research equipment;
6. assisting in the implementation and development of a laboratory safety and health culture among employees and users of research equipment.

Education:

Bachelor's/specialist's degree in a natural science or related engineering discipline (e.g. chemistry, physics, biology, materials science, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, etc.), preferably from an English-medium institution.

Work Experience:

Minimum 2 years of experience in a relevant field or minimum 1 year of experience with a master's degree in a relevant field.

Knowledge required to perform duties:

1. theoretical knowledge in the field of physics, chemistry, materials science and biology ;
2. knowledge of basic safety rules when working with laboratory equipment;
3. knowledge of the basics of sample preparation and requirements for various samples;
4. of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On civil defense";
5. knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the status of Nazarbayev University”, “Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools”, “Nazarbayev Foundation”, legislative and other regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of science and higher education.

Professional skills:

1. ability to work with equipment related to the department’s areas of activity, such as analytical chemistry, optical and electron microscopy, materials science, biotechnology, etc.;
2. willingness and ability to learn new information and updates related to the operation of the equipment;
3. understanding of the process of procurement of consumables and equipment with the conclusion of contracts or other agreements;
4. written and oral communication skills to prepare general and/or technical reports, training materials, safety documentation, etc.;
5. PC proficiency, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) , email management, electronic document management systems;
6. ability to work with various groups of scientific, technical and operational personnel.

Required competencies:

1. responsibility and attention to detail;
2. customer focus – sensitivity to the needs of internal clients (students, teachers and department heads);
3. innovativeness – openness to the implementation of new tools, approaches and solutions;
4. Ethics and trust – adherence to high standards of professional ethics, confidentiality, and transparency.
5. Fluent in English, Kazakh and Russian.

Recruitment and selection process
Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include the following process: preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, assessments (e.g. technical skills/capabilities, aptitude, personality, work samples, in-basket exercises, and informal interviews), and motivation.

Formal interviews form the final stage of the selection process.
They are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.
You are encouraged to share your views and values  to identify how they fit into  Nazarbayev University core values