Laboratory Technician: Archaeological Collections

Laboratory Technician: Archaeological Collections-2201184

 

MĀTAI WHAIPARA TAKATA / ARCHAEOLOGY
TE PUNA PĀPORI / SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

About our team/Mō te tīma

The Otago Archaeological Laboratories are a renowned research and teaching facility containing collections of nationally and internationally significant taonga and other archaeological materials. As well as excavated archaeological assemblages currently undergoing analysis, there are significant legacy collections whose curation is vested in the University, and high value zoological and geological reference collections. These materials support a wide spectrum of researchers in the archaeological community, but also those working in Zoology, Marine Science, Palaeogenetics and other fields. Although these are working laboratories with high throughput of research material, all assemblages and the standing reference collections are managed in accordance with current museum curation practices.

The role/Te mahi

The Laboratory Technician: Archaeological Collections is responsible for the curatorial systems that accession, catalogue, track, and audit research material entering and exiting the laboratories. The technician is also required to advise on conservation best practice, and ensure materials are appropriately stored.

Our systems of collection management are currently being upgraded and the appointee will be required to take an active role in improving processes and developing new opportunities for use and access to existing collections. Archaeology at Otago has a strong staff and student research culture, and the collections technician will support the provision of excellent staff and student research.

This role is responsible for managing archaeological material in the laboratories and storage facilities of the Archaeology Programme. The collections you will manage include:
•    Reference collections (fauna, lithics, material culture).
•    Teaching collections.
•    The archaeological site collections (new and archived material from staff and student excavations).

A primary component of this role is the implementation and ongoing administration of systems for managing, tracking, and curating material, and for overseeing procedures enabling access to, and repatriation of, collections.

The position offers a technical support career in a well-established academic Programme with a proud teaching and research record, particularly focused on the communities and cultures of the Pacific hemisphere.

Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

The preferred candidate will have:
•    MA qualification (preferably in Archaeology) or relevant collections management experience.
•    Full driver’s License.
•    Familiarity with laboratory protocols in archaeology.
•    Familiarity with the Health and Safety requirements of archaeological laboratories.
•    Excellent organisational skills with the ability to initiate and prioritise tasks.
•    Attention to detail and the ability to work accurately and efficiently within defined time constraints.
•    Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
•    Ability to work cooperatively with all staff, students and visitors.
•    Computer skills – confident use of word-processing, spreadsheets and databases, and ability to learn new skills as the job demands.

Desirable skills:
•    Specialist skills in laboratory methods relevant to archaeological research e.g., archaeozoological, geoarchaeological, or anthracological methods.

Further details/Pūroko

This is a part time, permanent position (0.73 FTE, 27.5hrs a week), located in Dunedin.

All laboratory support staff are required to partake in regular Health and Safety, First Aid, and Fire Warden training.

The University of Otago is well-known for its collegiality and, combined with living in the vibrant city of Dunedin, provides opportunities for an excellent work-life balance. The Dunedin campus is ranked as one of the top 15 most beautiful in the world. The city has affordable living, excellent schools, and a great array of activities, ranging from art and literature to outdoor activities.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

Specific enquiries may be directed to Dr Tim Thomas, Head of Programme, Archaeology via the contact details below.

Application/Tono

Candidates are required to provide:
•    A CV, including employment history.
•    A letter of application outlining how you fit the role.
•    3 Referee contact details, including telephone number and email address.

To submit your application please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2201184 will close on Thursday, 30 June 2022.

Additional Information

Note: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.

Contact: Associate Professor Tim Thomas

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin

Primary Location
 NZL-SI-Dunedin
Employment Status
 Permanent 
Salary Level and Range Level 5 (Range of Appointments $56,981 to $61,348, Top of Range $66,647)
Organisation
 Archaeology
Job Function
 Medical and Science Technicians