Role Description

Faculty/Service:Faculty of Health & Life Sciences

Job Title:Assistant Technician

Grade:3

Category: Support

Job Purpose: As a member of the professional support team the role holder willperform a range ofoperational tasks as part of a team in support of learning, teaching, research and CPD activity in the faculty, predominantly in the Department of Applied Sciences

Responsible to:Principal Technician (Science)

Generic Duties and Responsibilities:

In line with the University’s Mission, Corporate Strategy and Leadership Attributes, you will:

  • Contribute to the provision of a professional support service by ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and by responding positively to feedback.
  • Maintain an up to date knowledge of health and safety procedures and issues relating to their work environment and implement health and safety procedures within the Faculty’s specialist facilities.
  • Prepare facilities, materials and equipment for use by students and staff, as required, in support of the work of the Faculty
  • Provide advice to academic staff on the most effective use of faculty resources.
  • Carry out routine maintenance of equipment in line with manufacturers specifications.
  • Support the needs and expectations of relevant stakeholders by following the University’s standard processes, procedures and practices as appropriate.
  • Contribute to the development of a collaborative, collegiate and inclusive culture which includes sharing information and good practice with others.
  • Work co-operatively and maintain effective relationships with others, internally and externally to the University, as appropriate to own area of responsibility.
  • Develop and maintain a good working knowledge of own area of responsibility.
  • Advise staff and students on the appropriate procedures for the operation, monitoring, maintenance and security of equipment and facilities
  • Provide advice to staff and students on the type of facilities and equipment available to support the teaching and research programmes.
  • To work closely with the Principal Technician in responding to and resolving technical support issues and requests in an efficient and effective manner.
  • Demonstrate a flexible attitude to change which will support the University in meeting existing and future needs.
  • Act corporately, promoting the ‘One University’ principle and promoting the Faculty or Service within and outside the University where relevant.
  • Undertake other responsibilities as required.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical support, primarily in the fields of biomedical sciencesand microbiology to students and staff, to include but not limited to
  • preparation of materials and equipment for teaching, enterprise and research,
  • assistance and support for practical sessions
  • preparation, booking and return of materials and equipment for teaching sessions,
  • stock/materials control, specification and requisitioning
  • care, routine maintenance and PAT Testing of appropriate tools and equipment.
  • Advise staff and students on the appropriate procedures for the operation, monitoring, maintenance and security of equipment and facilities.Instruct staff or groups of students on the use of specialist facilities and equipment
  • Undertake excellent administrative work to facilitate responsive and recordable action to support the technical requirements of the Faculty.
  • Assist in planning specialist facility and costing of apparatus & resourcing for new and existing facilities.
  • Assist in the provision of specialist equipment in Faculty facilities, confirming it is available and operating effectively.

This Role Description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and will be subject to periodic review by the line manager and appropriate othersin discussion with the post-holder.

Requirements

Location:

This post is based at the University’s City campus, with requisite to work from and / or travel to other University premises and external organisations as required.Full Time working to the Faculty’s technical service flexi time scheme, with some evening and weekend working - 37 hours per week. There may be a requirement to work off site.

References

Contact with your present or most recent employer will be made if you are offered the position. Please complete the relevant section in the application form.

Person Specification

E/D / A/I
1. / Specific Knowledge
Working knowledge of equipment, processes and procedures used in laboratory biosciences and microbiology. / E / A/I
Appreciation of the standards for the conduct and output of the role. / E / I
Understanding of relevant policies and procedures, as they affect the role. / E / A/I
2. / Skills and Abilities
Ability to work as an effective team member / E / I
Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. / E / A/I
Numeracy skills & IT skills / E / A/I
Ability to plan and prioritise own defined work activities, responding to manager’s or work unit requirements, in addition to own responsibilities. / E / A/I
Ability to maintain good working relationships with colleagues across the Faculty or Service and University and with external stakeholders where relevant. / E / I
A willing and helpful attitude / E / I
Commitment to Team working / E / I
3. / Experience
Experience working in specialist Laboratory facilities / E / A/I
Practical experience in biomedical sciences or microbiology / E / A/I
Experience of working with relevant skills and techniques processes, and procedures. / E / A/I
Experience of receiving and responding to, enquiries from/to customers. / E / A/I
Providing support in a technical context specifically in biomedical sciences and microbiology / E / A/I
Practical experience of risk assessment and COSHH / E / A/I
4. / Education/Training
Relevant HNC\D or higher and relevant professional experience. / E / A

Legend:

E - Essential;D – Desirable A – Application I - Interview