Biomedical Research Support
Overview
The University of Otago, Christchurch hosts a wide range of research groups within the School Building.
The majority of the laboratory facilities are based on the second and fourth floors of the CSM Building.
The concept of "Shared Facilities" was set up many years ago and still provides a basic core of equipment for the use of all groups within the School.
Staff
There are a number of key staff who are employed to support the laboratory areas.
Anthony Mitchell
Laboratory Manager
Tel/Fax 64 3 364 0578
Extn 80578
Email anthony.mitchell@otago.ac.nz
Paul Christensen
Safety and Equipment Officer
Tel 64 3 364 0562
Extn 80562
Pager 737 302
Email paul.christensen@otago.ac.nz
Bett Gedye
Purchasing Officer
Tel 64 3 364 0563
Tel Extn 80563
Fax 64 3 364 1014
Fax Extn 81014
Email bett.gedye@otago.ac.nz
Kathryn Orlita
Glassware Technician
Tel 64 3 364 0561
Extn 80561
Email kathryn.orlita@otago.ac.nz
Roles
Laboratory Manager
The Laboratory Manager is responsible for strategic planning for biomedical resources including overseeing the use and maintenance of the shared facilities equipment within the School and sourcing funding for new and replacement equipment.
This person must also ensure that the School meets its requirements as a Transitional and Containment Facility as required by MAF and ERMA and to implement systems for laboratory health and safety to meet standards required by OSH.
The Laboratory Manager is responsible for instructing new staff in the use of equipment and facilities in conjunction with the Safety and Equipment Officer.
The duties of this position include the coordination of planning and execution of laboratory renovations in conjunction with the Property Services Facility Manager.
Safety and Equipment Officer
- ensure that School buildings, facilities, equipment and procedures comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act,
- maintain all fixed asset registers accurately,
- maintain shared facilities equipment,
- liaise with the Property Manager and the Property Services Facilities Manager to ensure all equipment and facilities in the School are serviced regularly and maintained in good working order.
Purchasing Officer
The responsibilities of the Purchasing Officer are to
- ensure purchasing for researchers is carried out in an accurate and timely manner,
- ensure customs requirements are actioned,
- process suppliers' invoices,
- manage the laboratory store
- negotiate "best in store prices" with suppliers of goods and services.
Glassware Technician
The glassware technician is responsible for collecting all dirty glassware from laboratories on the 1st, 2nd and 4th floors of the University of Otago, Christchurch building, and the Department of Surgery.
To clean and return the glassware.
To supervise the operation of the autoclave, and to sterilise glassware, equipment, media and waste.
To maintain stocks of cleaning materials.