Plant Biology lab technician

The University    

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here 

The Role and the Department    

The Department of Biosciences is composed of academic staff and research fellows with research and teaching interests that span the broad spectrum of the Biosciences. The Department studies biology from the smallest to the largest scales; from the structures and functions of biological molecules, through to cells, tissues and organisms and to the entire global ecosystem. The interests of academic staff include all types of living organisms, from bacteria, through the plant and animal kingdoms, to human health and disease.

A laboratory technician is required to support research activities within the plant vascular development group based in the Department of Biosciences. The research group has received funding to work with barley as a study system to understand how crops grow and develop. You will support this project, with a particular focus on aspects of barley transformation and tissue culture and assist with day-to-day operation of the laboratory including tasks necessary to maintain plant lines under the guidance of academic staff. You will also contribute to ongoing experimental work and participate in group meetings.

The role requires good time management and communication skills, ability to work independently and as a part of a group. We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is willing to learn new things. Previous experience of laboratory-based work is essential. However, the role will include multiple opportunities to acquire new knowledge and technical expertise. This role will suit anyone interested in pursuing a career in laboratory-based work, either with a technical focus or with a view to progress to a research career.

The post holder will be responsible for assisting with the day-to-day technical functions and operations in the Department of Biosciences, providing technical and engineering related assistance throughout a busy suite of teaching laboratories plus a large and diverse selection of research laboratories, thereby ensuring smooth and efficient operation throughout both areas.

The post holder will be required to provide flexible technical support as part of a technical team supporting all teaching and research activities conducted within the Department of Biosciences. Primarily servicing the needs of teaching, while supporting research in periods of lower demand assisting undergraduates, postgraduates, post doctorates and academic supervisors with regard to everyday laboratory requirements.

Working at Durham      

• A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:     

• 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year.  The University closes between Christmas and New Year.   

• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.    

• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.    

• On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.    

• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).    

• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.     

• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community    

• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.     

• We offer generous pension schemes.      

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values    

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.   As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.    

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.  

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification   

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  Where a criteria has an asterix* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.     

 Your application should cover the following criteria:   

Essential Criteria    

•             Good oral and written communication skills. 

•             Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking system, project planning.    

•             Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).

•             Qualified to Ordinary National Certificate level (or equivalent qualification / experience) in either a science subject, mechanical or electrical and electronic engineering.

•             Experience of working in a team.

•             Ability to solve problems and resolve issues, plan solutions and make pragmatic decisions.

•             Demonstrable ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.

•             Ability to effectively network and exchange advice and information for development purposes.  

•             Knowledge and expertise with the application of skills to create, build and construct resources, tools and equipment to meet teaching and research outputs.

•             Experience of teaching/research project working within an educational, commercial or industrial environment.

•             Experience of working within a laboratory environment with an understanding of the operation of general laboratory equipment.

•             Experience of monitoring activities of self and others to ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to.

•             Experience of managing time in order to meet deadlines.  

Desirable Criteria

•             Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.

•             Evidence of continuing professional development.

•             Ability to solve problems and resolve issues, plan solutions and make pragmatic decisions.

•             Demonstrable ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.

•             Ability to effectively network and exchange advice and information for development purposes.  

•             Experience of monitoring activities of self and others to ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to.

•             Knowledge of maintenance and use of Magnetic Properties Measurement Systems.

How to apply   

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).      

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.     

Submitting your application    

We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails    

What you are required to submit:   

•             A CV    

•             Optional - A supporting statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification     

Contact details    

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Peter Etchells would be happy to speak to you. Please contact him by email [email protected]

Typical Role Requirements   

 Service Delivery

•             Plan and organise own workload with or without involvement with project work streams. 

•             Advise others and make recommendations into work processes and procedures for consideration by senior management to improve services. 

•             Prepare safety documents and risk assessments for teaching, research and learning activities. 

•             Resolve queries and requests for information and advice and escalate more specialist and complex queries or issues to more experienced team members. 

•             Analyse work activities to ensure the effective and efficient use of capital and consumable equipment and resources. 

•             Liaise with others to identify resource requirements, store and deliver resources and keep accurate records of stock levels. 

•             Provide more in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis activities within the role. 

•             Support the capture of business requirements from users and work with colleagues to translate these into recommendations for future service provision. 

•             A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

•             Organise and schedule resources, activities and events.

•             Apply theory and practice, from academic and professional development and previous knowledge within the Plant Vascular Development group in the Department of Biosciences.

•             Identify priorities and monitor processes and activities to ensure success.

•             Control of laboratory spending, monitoring expenditure to the appropriate budget code and cost centre.

•             Support and assist with the provision of health and safety whilst adhering to set guidelines

Teamwork

•             Act as more knowledgeable team member without responsibility for team members. 

•             Contribute to collaborative decision making within the team with service provision to deliver an excellent stakeholder experience in accordance with policy and procedures.  

•             Collaborate with team members to implement service alterations. 

Communication/Networking/Stakeholders

•             Respond to stakeholder needs to deliver and shape an excellent stakeholder experience. 

•             Work collaboratively across the organisation and/or externally with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver a service. 

•             Provide guidance and advice to resolve problems and queries for a broad range of service users.

•             Liaise with contacts and participate in networks and communities internally and possibly externally, contributing to effective collaborative working. 

•             Liaise with academic staff and students and colleagues across the University to ensure a smooth and efficient service.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.     

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.