Laboratory Assistant

Job Purpose

The School of Infection and Immunity are seeking to appoint a Laboratory Assistant for the washroom located in the Sir Graeme Davies Building (SGDB). The purpose of the job is to support the infrastructure of the school by being part of a small team supplying a sterilisation, glassware wash-up and media service for research laboratories within SGDB.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To be a member of the washroom team providing a sterilisation, biological waste disposal and wash-up service, reporting on a day-to-day basis to the washroom supervisor.

2. Collect glassware, plasticware and other laboratory materials daily from the labs for washing.

3. Clean glassware to a very high standard by hand washing, machine washing and sterilising as required, visually check all items of glassware making sure they are meticulously clean and effective quality control is carried out.

4. Operate autoclaves for sterilisation and biological waste disposal, ensuring safe operational standards and quality service is maintained and delivered, reporting any defects or concerns to the washroom supervisor.

5. Run monthly validation checks on the autoclaves and record the results, reporting any fails to the washroom supervisor.

6. Reporting of any defects in equipment or any safety concerns to the washroom supervisor during the working day.

7. Ensure all waste is disposed of safely and appropriately as set out in the SGDB Waste Management Policy and local Standard operating procedures.

8. Liaise with the waste contractor during uplift of waste and coordinate the disposal of waste bags, sharps bins and other special waste.

9. Collect and deliver laboratory laundry, collate, and prepare coats for external laundry uplift.

10. Maintaining the first aid supplies within the washroom setting.

11. Undertake any relevant training as required.

This is not an exhaustive list but highlights a number of the key tasks, which the post holder may be reasonably expected to perform. This post requires a degree of manual handling that includes regular lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, moving or carrying a load.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria.  If you do not address each criteria, then you will not be shortlisted for interview

Knowledge/Qualifications 

Essential:

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification framework level 4 in English and Mathematics (National 4) or equivalent qualification and experience in a similar role.

OR

Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Knowledge of glass washing procedures and or autoclaving.

C2 Knowledge of health and safety procedures, including the hazards associated with the use of chemicals associated with cleaning and disinfection.

C3 An understanding of safe manual handling techniques.

C4 Ability to give clear instructions and guide other staff where appropriate.

C5 Ability to communicate clearly and respond to clients, colleagues and contractors.

C6 Flexible and enthusiastic approach to work.

C7 Capable of working independently and also as part of a team.

C8 Self-motivated and able to manage time efficiently.

C9 Good organisational skills.

C10 Ability to use initiative and good judgement to solve problems.

C11 Ability to handle tasks of a repetitive nature.

C12 Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

C13 Willing to participate in training to acquire additional skills.

Desirable:

D1 Manual Handling Training

Experience

Essential:

E1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required, to undertake the duties associated with this level of post, through appropriate relevant experience in a similar role.

E2 Learning gained through typically 1 years' relevant work experience or training.

E3 Experience in handling chemicals used for cleaning and disinfecting.

Desirable:

F1 Experience in washroom setting.

F2 Up to date knowledge of basic health and safety.

Additional Details

Informal enquiries about this post may be directed to Susan Gannon ( [email protected]) or Caroline O'Connell ([email protected])

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 2, £21900 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.