Laboratory Officer

The Laboratory Officer is responsible for supporting laboratory operations within the Faculty of Healthand Medical Sciences (FHMS).
This role ensures effective technical support, smooth laboratory workflow, compliance with safety and biosafety requirements, and delivery of high-quality support for teaching, research, and laboratory activities, with emphasis on molecular biology, microbiology, animal tissue culture, and plant tissue culture laboratories.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Laboratory Operations & Administration
Support day-to-day laboratory operations across assigned laboratories.
Assist in implementing and adhering to laboratory policies, SOPs, and safety/biosafetyguidelines.
Ensure proper waste disposal, sanitation, and housekeeping of laboratories.
Prepare and support practical sessions, including trial runs and laboratory setup.
Ensure laboratory environments meet required sterility, containment, and aseptic standards, particularly for tissue culture and microbiological work.

Technical & Laboratory Support
Prepare reagents, buffers, microbial media, and culture media for:Molecular biology experimentsMicrobiology (e.g., bacterial culture, media preparation)
Animal tissue culture
Plant tissue culture
Support laboratory work involving:
.PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extraction
. Microbiological techniques (e.g., culturing, streaking, sterilization practices)
. Animal cell culture (aseptic techniques, subculturing, maintenance)
. Plant tissue culture (media preparation, explant culture, maintenance)
Ensure proper handling, storage, and usage of chemicals, biological materials, microbialstrains, and cell cultures.
Provide technical assistance and basic guidance to students and academic staff duringlaboratory sessions.

Safety, Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure laboratories comply with health, safety, biosafety and environmental regulations.
Maintain safe practices in handling microbial cultures, biological samples, and hazardouschemicals.
Ensure proper sterilization procedures (e.g., autoclaving, aseptic handling).
Conduct routine checks and report safety risks or non-compliance.

Equipment, Inventory & Procurement
Operate and maintain laboratory instruments relevant to molecular biology, microbiology, and
tissue culture, including:
. PCR / Real-Time PCR systems
. Biosafety cabinets / Laminar flow hoods
. CO₂ incubators
. Autoclaves
. Centrifuges
. Microscopes (inverted and compound)
. Spectrophotometers / Nanodrop
. Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of equipment.
. Maintain equipment logbooks, calibration schedules, and service records.
. Assist in procurement of laboratory equipment, consumables, and reagents.
. Maintain inventory and ensure proper storage of cultures, reagents, and materials.

Academic & Research Support
Assist academic staff and provide guidance to students on laboratory-related activities.
Support research, development and experimental activities within the laboratories within thelaboratories.
Participate in conducting laboratory trial runs and experimental setup.
Provide logistics and technical assistance during faculty events such as Open Day and Placement Day.

Other Responsibilities
Support implementation of new laboratory techniques, equipment, and processes.
Provide feedback for continuous improvement of laboratory operations.
Perform any other duties assigned by the Laboratory Manager from time to time.

MINIMUM ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION
Bachelor Degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or relatedfield.

RELATED EXPERIENCE
At least 2-3 years of relevant laboratory experience is preferred however, fresh graduatesor candidates with limited working experience but strong academic background andpractical laboratory exposure in related fields are welcome to apply.
. Hands-on experience in:
. Molecular biology
. Microbiology
. Animal tissue culture and/or plant tissue culture
. Experience in handling and maintaining laboratory instruments is an added advantage.
. Exposure to neurology and/or embryology-related laboratory work will be an added advantage.

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES)
. Good knowledge of:
. Molecular biology techniques
. Microbiology practices and aseptic techniques
. Tissue culture methodologies (animal and/or plant)
Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
Understanding of biosafety, microbial handling, and sterile laboratory practices.
Good planning, coordination, and time management skills.
Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
Good communication skills in English and Bahasa Melayu.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

COMPETENCIES (BEHAVIOURAL)
Resourceful, proactive, and result-oriented.
Strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
. Careful, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious.
. Professional, calm, and able to work under pressure.
. Positive working attitude with good interpersonal skills.
. Willingness to learn and adapt to new laboratory techniques.
. Willing to work beyond normal working hours when required.