Kairuruku | Research Assistant in Chemical Inventory

Have you got experience with hazardous chemical handling?
Are you studying for or have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, or a related field?
Can you be self-motivated and work in a fast-paced environment alongside other high-performing researchers?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a qualified and highly motivated Kairuruku - Research Assistant in Chemical Inventory to join the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute team on a fixed-term, full-time basis.

We are seeking someone with ambition who wants to develop their research career within an academic R&D environment and has the ability to conceptualise and originate new ideas that are outside industry norms. Paihau - Robinson works closely with commercial partners and carries out mission-oriented R&D, so the preferred candidate should have the desire to see their work implemented with partners.

You will lead the migration of chemicals to a new inventory management system at the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute. This work will expose you to multiple teams across the Institute, but will primarily be based as part of the Clean Materials team.

Key responsibilities:

Identify and perform data entry for each unique chemical into the Chemlist inventory system, with over 600 chemicals to be input from an existing inventory.
Correctly barcode label individual chemical containers, working consistently to ensure all containers are correctly inventoried.
Safely handle a diverse range of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, following best laboratory practise.
Work safely in multi-user laboratory settings, where other users may be performing active experiments.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The preferred candidate will:

Be studying for or have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, or with experience with hazardous chemical handling in related fields.
Bring a positive attitude to staff and students alike and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Have excellent communication skills and a passion for detail-orientated work.
Have practical implementation skills.
Be a strong team player able to work closely with collaborators from multiple partner organisations.
Be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment alongside other high-performing researchers.

Prior experience with the Chemlist management system is helpful but not required.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 30 June 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Jeannie Redman, Institute Manager (jeannie.redman@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.