To plan, coordinate, and manage the operation of Chemical Engineering teaching and project laboratories to ensure practical classes, research activities, and student projects are conducted safely, efficiently, and effectively.
The role supports academic staff and students by maintaining laboratory readiness, ensuring proper functioning of equipment, and enforcing safety, quality, and engineering laboratory standards in accordance with university and regulatory requirements.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage daily operations and readiness of Chemical Engineering teaching and project laboratories
- Prepare materials, chemicals, and equipment for practical sessions
- Plan and conduct trial runs to ensure experiments achieve expected learning outcomes
- Assist in laboratory demonstrations and guide students on proper techniques and best practices
- Be present throughout laboratory sessions to provide supervision and technical support
- Support laboratory activities during university events (e.g., Open Day, placement and outreach activities)
- Enforce laboratory safety rules and regulations, policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engineering laboratory practices
- Conduct and maintain risk assessments (HIRARC) and laboratory hazard control measures
- Implement quality assurance procedures within the laboratories
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemical waste and hazardous waste according to regulations
- Promote a safe laboratory culture and ensure students comply with safety requirements
- Maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database and chemical inventory/chemical registry
- Develop, review, and improve laboratory manuals and experimental procedures
- Maintain laboratory documentation for audits and accreditation exercises
- Operate, maintain, inspect, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment (e.g. distillation column, reactors, separation systems) and its infrastructure
- Coordinate servicing, repairs, and calibration of laboratory equipment and instrumentation
- Maintain equipment logs, maintenance schedules, and calibration records
- Procure laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables
- Monitor stock levels and ensure sufficient supplies are available
- Coordinate with suppliers and internal departments for purchasing processes
- Maintain organized inventory and storage records
- Perform any other duties assigned by the School or University as required
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
MINIMUM ACADEMIC / PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION
Diploma or Degree in Chemical Engineering or any other related field.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Minimum 2 years of workings experience, preferably in an academic laboratory, industrial process environment or research laboratory background is preferred.
Fresh graduates with strong laboratory, final year project, or internship experience in chemical engineering laboratories or science related field are encouraged to apply.
COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES)
- Good communication in English and Bahasa Melayu and interpersonal skills, including the ability work cooperatively and effectively with others.
- Possess high integrity and leadership qualities.
- Demonstrate good planning, coordinating, and time management skills.
- Basic knowledge in life science laboratory equipment maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration.
- Ability to perform laboratory tests and work with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of safety policies, practices and regulations related to laboratories.
- Knowledge of and skills in using computer software e.g. Microsoft software applications.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new laboratory technologies and equipment
- Able to follow procedures carefully and ask questions when unsure
- Positive attitude towards student interaction and support
- Able to diagnose equipment issues and take corrective action
- Capable of planning laboratory setup without close supervision
- Experience coordinating vendors, maintenance, or procurement processes
- Comfortable enforcing safety rules with students
COMPETENCIES (BEHAVIOURAL)
- Resourceful, self motivated and result oriented.
- Has a strong sense of responsibility.
- Good team player and flexible.
- Courteous, calm and focused.
- People oriented with warm and cheerful personality.
- Good working attitude.
- Pro-active, mature, eager to learn and receptive to guidance
- Adaptable and willing to work beyond normal hours when required
- Responsible and dependable in managing laboratory operations
- Assertive in enforcing safety and laboratory discipline
- Organized and systematic in documentation and inventory control
- Proactive in identifying problems and proposing solutions
- Comfortable working in a hands-on and student-facing environment
