Benchmark Role Profile for Technician Level 3

Benchmark Role Profile for Technician Level 3

Version 2.0

Last Amended: March 2015

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM

Job Title:Research Technician

School/Department:Life Sciences – SBRC

Salary:£22249to £24298 per annum depending on skills and experience.

Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.

Job Family and Level:Technical Services Level 3

Contract Status:Fixed term for a period of 12months.

Hours of Work:36.25

Location:Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC)

Reporting to:SBRC Director and/or delegated Line Manager

The Purpose of the New Role:

The purpose of this role is to provide specialist technical support for a research project which aims to discover from the natural environment novel but natural strains of aerobic microbes that are capable of utilising(and tolerating) both CO and CO2at high concentrations. The role requires the ability to carry out microbial molecular biology techniquesand culturing microbes under defined gas atmospheres withresponsibility for overseeing the day-to-day running of the research project to ensure objectives are met.

Main Responsibilities
1. / Plan and oversee the day to day technical running of the research project, carrying out molecular biology and microbiological assays in furtherance of the project to ensure work objectives and standards are met. This will include the takingand processing of environmental samples.
2. / Utilise technical knowledge and expertise to contribute to the technical design and implementation of the research project.
3. / Assist in the interpretation of results, providing quantitative and qualitative analysis through written reports.Contribute to research publications through data generation and analysis.
4. / Monitor Health and Safety in the performance of all duties by assessing the risks of the planned activity and performing the tasks having considered, and acted to secure, the safety of yourself and others:
Ensure students and new researchers are trained in techniques and the safe and effective use of equipment to ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations, including carrying out safety risk assessments.
5. / Communicate effectively information/instructions to the department and wider university as required, and ensure the accurate completion of documentation, records and reports in order to comply with research quality standards.
6. / Contribute to the development of new or improved methods/techniques/equipment and to undertake further training to develop a skills and technique base in microbial gas fermentation.
7. / Any other duties appropriate to the grade and role

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential / Desirable
Qualifications/ Education / Minimum of HNC in relevant subject, or equivalent qualifications plus considerable work experience in relevant role or
Substantial work experience in relevant role / Degree in biological sciences or microbiology
Additional qualifications in laboratory skills e.g. Health and Safety
Skills/Training / Analytical ability to interpret testing requirements.
Problem solving skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clarity on complex information.
Good customer relation skills.
Ability to work accurately in order to maintain high standards, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Ability to adopt a methodical approach to work in order to achieve work deadlines.
Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others internally and externally. / Knowledge of synthetic biology.
Proven report writing skills.
Capability to organise own and other’s activities to meet set deadlines.
‘Drive for results’ the ability to coach and motivate others to meet and exceed set objectives.
Knowledge of gas safety issues.
Experience / Proven technical experience in relevant techniques and equipment, including the preparation of microbial media and culturing of bacteria.
An understanding of regulations and procedure governing laboratory work (including Home Office and Health and Safety) and implications of non-compliance of other staff.
Ability to lift and move objects as this role will involve storing and moving consumables and equipment. / Experience in the handling ofgas cylinders.
Statutory/Legal

Decision Making

i)taken independently by the role holder;

Manage own workload.

To advise and solve routine queries.

The organisation and prioritisation of the workload in the laboratory

Day to day planning and implementation of research work

Day to day supervision of postgraduate research student projects

ii)taken in collaboration with others;

Research project progression via regular meetings with colleagues and line manager
Use judgement to seek appropriate help / assistance on non-routine and/or complex matters

iii)referred to the appropriate line manager by the role holder.

Resolution of complex problems

/ The University of Nottingham strongly endorses Athena SWAN principles, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in furthering women’s careers. It is our mission to ensure equal opportunity, best working practices and fair policies for all.