Technician

Job Purpose

To manage technical aspects of the research on behalf of the Principal Investigator [PI], including providing specialist technical expertise in the relevant discipline and being responsible for the creation/set up and/or operation of all technical resources to aid the delivery of research objectives. In addition, the postholder will undertake a range of technical support activities in line with the College/Institute/School Strategy.

This will involve working with several research groups providing core support. This post will be primarily based in the GCRC building but will also involve supporting groups based in other Buildings, therefore a flexible approach is required. As this is a core position it will require the successful candidate to undertake Health and Safety responsibilities, act as operational coordinator for labs as well as undertake technical support activities for research projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.       To maintain laboratory equipment, diagnose faults, and troubleshoot day-to-day problems relating to equipment, techniques, procedures, and protocols, conducting appropriate repairs or maintenance as required independently. To support building management by organising PM servicing and engineer visits when required.

2.       Independently generate ideas and implement agreed proposals for experimental strategies for research groups in SCMH. Design, plan and organise technical activities independently to meet the needs of service users within agreed timescales.

3.       Be responsible for the day-to-day management of and compliance with relevant Health and Safety and/or other specialist legal requirements. Maintain all necessary records in accordance with set requirements, keep up to date with developments or legal changes relevant to the work of the research group and advise and train group members as appropriate. Report any potential issues to the PI and/or Health and Safety Committee or external bodies timeously. Responsible for specialist legal procedures for certain materials and organise specialised waste disposal (chemical, biological and electrical).

4.       To become an active member of the Health and Safety committee.  Be responsible for the Health and Safety management, writing and reviewing Risk Assessments /SOPS and providing detailed training to users.

5.       Provide in-depth specialist technical knowledge, advice and solutions to academic and student service users within the specified discipline or assigned research projects to allow the delivery of research objectives. Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of a lab to ensure an excellent experience for service users.

6.       Perform building inductions and training for staff, students and visitors, being a point of contact for any queries. Take responsibility for reporting of fabric issues to estates, monitoring the progress of the repair and pursue lines when required to ensure issues are being addressed in a timely manner.

7.       Design, plan and organise technical activities independently to meet the requirements of PIs and within agreed timescales. In liaison with relevant research groups monitor technical standards, advise, implement, and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required. Adapt and refine work practices in lab area. Be responsible for troubleshooting complex technical problems, including issues with the design and operation of technical resources.

8.       Collect, analyse, and interpret complex data, identifying trends, problems or anomalies, and ensure that accurate records, and databases are updated accordingly. Present findings accurately and clearly to research groups and /or wider audiences via presentations or within appropriate research publications.  This may include research and/or teaching related data.

9.       Where relevant supervise staff including allocating work and monitoring progress and outputs. When required support the supervision of students within the research groups.

10.    Where relevant, take day to day control of research budget(s), creating spending plans, monitoring outgoings and targets and providing summary reports to research group leaders.

11.    To be one of the points of contact for out of hours issues including freezer alarm calls and take responsibility to respond appropriately.

12.    Collaborate with colleagues and engage in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required.

13.    Keep up to date with advances in the relevant discipline and apply this knowledge to technical activities to further enhance the learning experience and/or contribute to the delivery of research aims.

14.    Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the role and Institute, including costings for future grant applications. Organise informative meetings with reps to gain information to advise on future expenditure on new equipment and lab consumables.

The above duties are not exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the PI / line manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Knowledge/Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 [Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma] or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2. 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.

A3. Significant breath or depth of specialised technical knowledge in molecular biology or relevant field.

A4. Up to date knowledge of relevant legislative requirements including but not limited to  laboratory Health and Safety legislations

Desirable:

B1. Currently hold a Personal Home Office Licence or within last 18 months

B2. Extensive knowledge or qualifications pertaining to the Cardiovascular field of research or related (such as a BSc and or MSc degree or equivalent).

B3. ISOH Managing Safely Certificate.

B4. Working towards Professional Registration with relevant body.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Demonstrable In-depth technical knowledge and skills in Molecular Biology and/or relevant field.

C2. Proven ability to learn and execute new laboratory techniques and operate specialised equipment at the forefront of research technology.

C3. Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist and standard software packages.

C4. Excellent team working skills and supervisory skills.

C5. Proven interpersonal and communication skills to work well in a team as well as ability to be self-motivated and show initiative to solve problems.

C6. Excellent organisational and time management skills and an ability to plan and prioritise workload independently to meet competing demands, delivering research goals within set timescales.

C7. Significant analytical and problem-solving skills, including attention to detail with ability to approach with a flexible and pragmatic attitude.

Desirable:

D1. Recent In Vivo experience in particular experience of administration of substances by IV, induction and maintenance of aesthetic and non-invasive imaging.

D2. In depth knowledge of microscopy imaging in various microscopes including confocal, live cell and fluorescent microscopy including development of methodologies. Experience in embedding, sectioning, and staining paraffin tissue blocks.

D3. Understanding and knowledge of University procedures relating to managing expenditure and procurement.

D4. Full understanding of Health and Safety procedures with proven experience in SOP/COSHH/RA writing.

D5. Knowledge of highly specialised laboratory techniques including cell culture (including primary cell isolation and culture), molecular biology techniques (western blotting, RNA extraction, RT-PCR, calcium imaging, ELISA).

D6. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

Experience  

Essential:

E1. Significant relevant work experience within a similar environment, including evidence of professional development.

E2. Experience of understanding and interpreting the complex technical requirements of staff and students.

E3. Experience of operating independently in progressing and delivering research goals within set timescales

E4. Experience in supervising graduate and/or undergraduate students in various techniques ensuring compliance with Health and Safety is included.

Desirable  

F1. Previous experience in resolving laboratory equipment and fabric issues by liaising with facilities, Estates and Buildings and external contractors for timely repair.

F2. Previous lab management experience with monetary responsibility and proven capabilities in the motivation of staff. Financial skills, sufficient to monitor budgets where appropriate.

F3. Track record of managing laboratory Health and Safety.

Further Information

Further enquiries on these posts may be directed to Nicola Britton via email: [email protected]

Terms and Conditions

 Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332 - £36,024 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.