Molecular Biology Technical Specialist (Internal only)

Molecular Biology Technical Specialist (Internal only) Apply
Post Details

Full time.
Fixed term for 9 months.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 03 April 2023.
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 05 April 2023.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK. 

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity. 

The Post

This is a key post delivering molecular biology technical skills for academic and other colleagues within the faculty and working in a team of molecular biology technical specialists.  As a member of the Molecular Biology Team the postholder will work with academic staff to ensure the efficient delivery of molecular biology technical specialists across the faculty, that technical services are delivered to the highest standard when and where they are needed, that technical skills are kept up-to-date and that the highest health and safety standards are maintained at all times

Description of Duties

• Construct straightforward equipment, following clear guidance
• Operate and carry out routine maintenance on standard equipment
• Resolve routine work problems independently, referring more complex problems to senior colleagues
• Comply with Health & Safety procedures affecting self and others
• Resolve routine work problems independently, referring more complex problems to senior colleagues
• Carry out basic interpretation of data/test results and present findings accurately
• Maintain accurate records and draft routine documentation
• Carry out a range of tasks to time and quality requirements, working within established routines or procedures, but with minimal direct supervision
• Prepare and carry out straightforward tests/experiments
• Plan own work schedule to meet work unit demands but refer to more senior colleagues for prioritising and scheduling of non-standard work
• Replenish stocks of consumables/stores of basic equipment etc, following routine stock control procedures, to meet work requirements
• Handle queries, tasks and issues relating to set procedures within the work area, and provide information to others, including basic ‘helpdesk’ duties, seeking guidance where necessary
• Assist students and/or staff in the preparation and use of equipment and techniques and advise on any specific aspects of work within own area
• Support student learning and/or provide user-support through the demonstration of straightforward equipment and techniques
• May provide informal guidance and support to students/junior colleagues in the use of equipment and techniques
• Continue to develop technical skills and ability in own area

Essential Criteria

• Vocational qualifications (N/SVQ 2/3, ONC or equivalent)
• Working knowledge of relevant systems, equipment, processes and procedures
• Competent written and oral communication skills
• Competent numeracy and IT skills
• Familiarity with own work priorities and those of colleagues
• Experience of undertaking a range of technical support activities without constant guidance
• Understanding of policies and procedures relevant to the role, particularly those governing health and safety
• Ability to plan or schedule workdays ahead
• Typically 1 year's work experience in a relevant role or a school education to standard grade or equivalent plus typically 2 years work experience.

Desirable Criteria

• Competence with equipment and technical tools
• Work scheduling and prioritising
• Good written communication and documentation
• Satisfaction of staff and/or students with the quality of technical support provided
• Consistency, accuracy/precision and following agreed methods
• Flexibility and enthusiasm
• Observance of Health & Safety regulations

About Us

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES)

Our research interests are broad, ranging from conservation and evolutionary ecology to environmental processes including carbon and nutrient cycling, aquatic and catchment sciences, landscape and forest ecology, evolutionary biology, environment and human health, energy and environmental sustainability. Research activities are led by principal investigators who seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of the natural environment and its interactions with human populations. We develop and exploit a range of technologies from Earth observation through to molecular techniques to understand how environments function and ecosystems are impacted from local to global scales and over annual to millennial timescales. Our research and impacts are found in all continents of the world and position us as a leading institution in Environmental Protection and Biological Conservation. In REF2021 all 100% of our research was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Interdisciplinary in its approach, Stirling’s research informs its teaching curriculum and facilitates opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration between staff, students, industry partners and the wider community.

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 10 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 120 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The campus – also home to 1,700 staff – has its own loch and castle, and a recent multi-million-pound redevelopment has delivered modern, flexible, and digitally connected study and social spaces at the heart of campus, including enhanced student support and retail and catering outlets.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019). Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence and its recently redeveloped world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

As a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, the University is driving productivity and inclusive growth across the Forth Valley, and beyond. Through pioneering collaborative solutions to global challenges, researchers are putting innovation, skills, and partnership at the heart of a sustainable economic recovery.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Job number

FAC01706

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Closing date

03-Apr-2023

Location:

Stirling Campus

Grade

Grade4 £22,197-£24,144 p.a.

Faculty/Service

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Post Details

Full time.
Fixed term for 9 months.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 03 April 2023.
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 05 April 2023.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK. 

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity. 

The Post

This is a key post delivering molecular biology technical skills for academic and other colleagues within the faculty and working in a team of molecular biology technical specialists.  As a member of the Molecular Biology Team the postholder will work with academic staff to ensure the efficient delivery of molecular biology technical specialists across the faculty, that technical services are delivered to the highest standard when and where they are needed, that technical skills are kept up-to-date and that the highest health and safety standards are maintained at all times

Description of Duties

• Construct straightforward equipment, following clear guidance
• Operate and carry out routine maintenance on standard equipment
• Resolve routine work problems independently, referring more complex problems to senior colleagues
• Comply with Health & Safety procedures affecting self and others
• Resolve routine work problems independently, referring more complex problems to senior colleagues
• Carry out basic interpretation of data/test results and present findings accurately
• Maintain accurate records and draft routine documentation
• Carry out a range of tasks to time and quality requirements, working within established routines or procedures, but with minimal direct supervision
• Prepare and carry out straightforward tests/experiments
• Plan own work schedule to meet work unit demands but refer to more senior colleagues for prioritising and scheduling of non-standard work
• Replenish stocks of consumables/stores of basic equipment etc, following routine stock control procedures, to meet work requirements
• Handle queries, tasks and issues relating to set procedures within the work area, and provide information to others, including basic ‘helpdesk’ duties, seeking guidance where necessary
• Assist students and/or staff in the preparation and use of equipment and techniques and advise on any specific aspects of work within own area
• Support student learning and/or provide user-support through the demonstration of straightforward equipment and techniques
• May provide informal guidance and support to students/junior colleagues in the use of equipment and techniques
• Continue to develop technical skills and ability in own area

Essential Criteria

• Vocational qualifications (N/SVQ 2/3, ONC or equivalent)
• Working knowledge of relevant systems, equipment, processes and procedures
• Competent written and oral communication skills
• Competent numeracy and IT skills
• Familiarity with own work priorities and those of colleagues
• Experience of undertaking a range of technical support activities without constant guidance
• Understanding of policies and procedures relevant to the role, particularly those governing health and safety
• Ability to plan or schedule workdays ahead
• Typically 1 year's work experience in a relevant role or a school education to standard grade or equivalent plus typically 2 years work experience.

Desirable Criteria

• Competence with equipment and technical tools
• Work scheduling and prioritising
• Good written communication and documentation
• Satisfaction of staff and/or students with the quality of technical support provided
• Consistency, accuracy/precision and following agreed methods
• Flexibility and enthusiasm
• Observance of Health & Safety regulations

About Us

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES)

Our research interests are broad, ranging from conservation and evolutionary ecology to environmental processes including carbon and nutrient cycling, aquatic and catchment sciences, landscape and forest ecology, evolutionary biology, environment and human health, energy and environmental sustainability. Research activities are led by principal investigators who seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of the natural environment and its interactions with human populations. We develop and exploit a range of technologies from Earth observation through to molecular techniques to understand how environments function and ecosystems are impacted from local to global scales and over annual to millennial timescales. Our research and impacts are found in all continents of the world and position us as a leading institution in Environmental Protection and Biological Conservation. In REF2021 all 100% of our research was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Interdisciplinary in its approach, Stirling’s research informs its teaching curriculum and facilitates opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration between staff, students, industry partners and the wider community.

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 10 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 120 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The campus – also home to 1,700 staff – has its own loch and castle, and a recent multi-million-pound redevelopment has delivered modern, flexible, and digitally connected study and social spaces at the heart of campus, including enhanced student support and retail and catering outlets.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019). Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence and its recently redeveloped world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

As a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, the University is driving productivity and inclusive growth across the Forth Valley, and beyond. Through pioneering collaborative solutions to global challenges, researchers are putting innovation, skills, and partnership at the heart of a sustainable economic recovery.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni

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