Core Repository & Instrumentation Specialist

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY | TE TARI TĀTAI AROWHENUA

DIVISION OF SCIENCES | TE ROHE A AHIKĀROA

About our team | Mō te tīma

The Department of Geology delivers research-led teaching and supports leading Earth and environmental science through major facilities, including the Otago Repository for Core Analysis (ORCA), a leading Southern Hemisphere core repository equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation for high-precision analysis of sediment and rock cores, delivering world-class research and hands-on student training.

The role | Te mahi

An opportunity is available for a Core Repository & Instrumentation Specialist to support ORCA’s research and teaching activities.

ORCA curates and analyses terrestrial and marine sediment and rock cores from New Zealand, Antarctica, and the sub-Antarctic, supporting climate, tectonic, and environmental change research, alongside commercial analytical services.

In this hands-on role, you will contribute to our teaching and research programmes while operating and maintaining advanced core-scanning instrumentation, including the Geotek MSCL-S, Geotek Boxscan, and Itrax XRF core scanner.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating and maintaining core-scanning and analytical instrumentation.
• Managing core and sample workflows from receipt through to storage and shipment.
• Supporting data acquisition, QA/QC, and data management processes.
• Providing training and support to students, researchers, and external users.

Skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

You will bring strong analytical capability, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach.

Essential skills include:

• A BSc in Geology/Earth Science (or a related field), with experience using scientific or laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills, with confidence handling samples and datasets.
• Effective communication skills and a safe, methodical approach to following procedures.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent relevant experience, including repository or curatorial work.
• Experience with sample and data management workflows.
• Flexibility to provide occasional out-of-hours support (e.g. teaching, workshops, or field operations).

Further details / Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours), fixed term position until 30 September 2027, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $75,631 to $80,503 per annum, top of range is $88,750 per annum.

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

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. We welcome the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives.

For further information, please contact Professor Chris Moy, ORCA Director via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

Candidates are requested to submit the following:

• A CV.
• A cover letter outlining relevant skills and experience.
• Names and contact details for at least two referees.
• Your earliest start date.

Applications quoting reference number 2600773 will close on Sunday, 7 June 2026.

Additional Information

Contact: Professor Chris Moy

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin

Primary Location

NZL-SI-Dunedin

Employment Status

Fixed Term

Salary Level and Range

Level 6 (Range of Appointments $75,631 to $80,503, Top of Range $88,750)

Organisation

Geology

Job Function

Technician