Technician; Research

Overview

Reporting to the Senior Technician:
Research you will work within a team providing support to Facilities and specific instrumentation that is a responsibility of the research team, ensuring researchers have the equipment and resources needed for their activities, providing training, specialist advice, and solving complex problems.

Applicants must have a minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience, along with current theoretical and practical knowledge of analytical chemistry (e.g., chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry). Experience of sample preparation for mass spectrometry analysis and protein/metabolite biochemistry and associated methods are also essential.

• Provide technical support to facilities as appropriate and in liaison with the Senior Technician:
  Research, ensuring all tasks are completed to a high standard.
• Provide specialist instrumentation support, including training, operation, running samples, demonstrating, and troubleshooting.
• Apply knowledge and understanding of at least one area of the instrumentation the team is responsible for; the role will substantively support the Mass Spectrometry Facility and experience of this would be an advantage, particularly in relation to biological samples.
• Record and analyse research data and present findings accurately.
• Plan and organise routine work, and be responsive to non‑routine work.
• Carry out training for staff and students to safely operate more complex and specialised equipment, for example handling cryogenic materials.
• Participate in regular reviews of the Research team activity within the Technical Operations team to analyse instrument use records and propose improvements to services.
• Maintain knowledge of local safety requirements, including training records and maintaining competency.
• Follow standard operating procedures, relating to induction and training for all users and instruments, and ensure records of these are kept.
• Contribute to the development of a quality system, including service level agreement, standard operating procedures and training competency records in this area.
• Understand, promote and apply relevant COSHH/risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols, ensuring procedures are followed at all times.
• Actively contribute to a culture in the School of Biosciences where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and can flourish professionally or academically.
• Encourage ethical decision‑making in the role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

• Minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience.
• Current theoretical and practical knowledge of analytical chemistry (e.g., chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry).
• Experience of sample preparation for mass spectrometry analysis.
• Knowledge of protein/metabolite biochemistry and associated methods.
• Experience in bioscience instrumentation and facilities within the higher education sector.
• Instrumentation skills, including use, monitoring and maintenance of scientific equipment.
• Understanding and application of health and safety regulations, compliant with regulatory and statutory compliance.
• Application of diagnostic methods for fault finding and suitable escalation routes.
• Effective communication with colleagues, students and staff, demonstrating the importance of excellent customer service.
• Work with minimal supervision, efficiently and effectively while maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste.
• Technical…