Job Description

Job title:Laboratory Technician – Teaching Support

(Maternity Cover)

Department:CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Responsible to:Technical Supervisor

Location:9 West

Purpose of the job:

Reporting to the Technical Supervisor,the Laboratory Technician will provide advice, instruction and services in analytical and instrumentation techniques to staff and students across the Department and the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. To provide teaching support covering a wide variety of laboratory methods and techniques to staff and students within the Department or Faculty.
  1. To perform initial setup operations, follow protocols, perform basic maintenance on laboratory instrumentation and test rigs to a high degree of precision to support research and teaching requirements
  1. To setup, check, maintain, clean, service, adjust and repair laboratory equipment as required.
  1. To assist the Technical Supervisor in ensuring that a safe working environment is maintained at all times through compliance with Health and Safety at Work legislation and the University’s Operational Procedures.
  1. To supervise the use of and demonstrate practical instrumentation, analytical and test equipment systems to staff, visitors and students.
  1. To assist senior staff with the delivery and supervision of laboratory based student practicals and other teaching activities.
  1. To maintain a high level of housekeeping and organisation in laboratory spaces.
  1. To collect and dispose of waste chemicals and materials according to University waste management guidelines.
  1. To work as part of a team providing a service to the whole Faculty, Department or Research Group.
  1. To represent the Department at meetings, working groups or other events as required.
  1. To assist the Technical Supervisor in establishing and implementing best practice in the management of the laboratory facilities.
  1. To assist the Technical Supervisor with the operation of laboratory and workshop facilities, stock level, asset tracking and inventory recording.
  1. To assist the Technical Supervisor in the maintenance and recording of systems, processes and procedures to ensure compliance with statutory legislation and the University’s own requirements.

Line Management

Indirect:- Technical Manager, Chemical Engineering, Director of Technical Services, Faculty of Engineering and Design

Direct:- Technical Supervisor (TS), Chemical Engineering.

Level of line management received:

Minimal. The Laboratory Technician receives instruction, direction, advice and support from the TS but is expected to prioritise their own workload.

Supervision given: No direct line management responsibilities

Special Conditions

From time to time the Laboratory Technician may be required to handle and connect compressed gas cylinders.

Other Related Activities and Functions

Technical support for research activities. Monitoring and maintenance of a variety of equipment/rigs. General day to day technical help and support provision. You will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature across the Faculty of Engineering and Design as reasonably required by your line manager, Technical Manager or Director of Technical Services.

Person Specification

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / Assessed by
A/F / I / T
Qualifications
HND (or other qualification with compensating experience) in a relevant science or engineering subject.
Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering / X / X / X
X / X
X
Experience/Knowledge
Experience and good all-round science laboratory and equipment knowledge.
Experience of chemical and biochemical engineering laboratory practice and facilities
Knowledge & understanding in the use and maintenance of analytical methods, apparatus and equipment
Maintenance of complex laboratories
Knowledge of current Health, Safety & Environmental legislation
Previous experience working within a University Science/Engineering department or similar research environment.
Teaching, training or demonstrating experience.
Understanding of Biological systems. / X
X
X
X
X / X
X
X / X
X
X
X
X / X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Skills
Scientific writing and process documentation skills.
Proficient in the use of core software packages, e.g. CAD, Office applications, etc.
Excellent problem solving skills.
Good time-management skills with the ability to multitask
Microbiological techniques (e.g. cell culturing) / X
X
X
X / X / X
X
X
X
X / X
X
X
X
X
Attributes
Ability to work in a team
Good interpersonal skills
Ability to communicate effectively with students and staff of all levels.
Enthusiastic, proactive and self-motivated individual with a passion for the subject.
Ability to act on own initiative with minimal supervision. / X
X
X
X
X / X
X
X
X
X

Code: A/F – Application form, I – Interview, T – Test