Technician

Job Purpose

To manage technical aspects of the research on behalf of the Principal Investigator Dr Johan Vande Voorde, including providing specialist technical expertise in metabolomics, tissue culture, and in vivo studies. The successful candidate will be 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.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.                 Undertake specialist technical aspects of the specified research with experience and training related to state-of-the-art metabolomics, in vitro and in vivo models of colorectal cancer, as a member of the research group.

2.                 Provide specialist technical advice to research team including research, teaching and technical staff and undergraduate and post-graduate/PhD students. Where required, support the supervision of students within the research group.

3.                 Progress technical aspects of research objectives in accordance with pre- determined timescales as set out by the PI.

4.                 Independently generate ideas and implement agreed proposals for experimental strategies.

5.                 Design and create experiments, systems, protocols, equipment, and/or other technical resources to support the delivery of research objectives.

6.                 Keep up to date with developments in relevant research/technical areas and within the broader discipline to ensure contribution to research goals is optimised.

7.                 Be responsible for the management of technical aspects of the research project, including where relevant, management of the laboratory, technical resources, and technical staff. Ensure operational delivery of technical resources is optimised and seek to continuously improve the technical service.

8.                 Be responsible for troubleshooting complex technical problems, including issues with the design and operation of technical resources and/or with the data which is generated.

9.                 Undertake complex data analysis, identifying trends, problems or anomalies, and present findings clearly to research group and/or to wider audiences via presentations or within appropriate research publications.

10.           Where relevant, take day to day control of research budget, creating spending plans, monitoring outgoings and targets and providing summary reports to PIs as required.

11.           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 relevant internal or external bodies timeously.

12.           Work collaboratively with others, including within the wider College/Institute/School and where relevant with external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the research aims and support the broader strategic aims of the University.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and 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       Significant breath or depth of technical knowledge and recognised as an expert in the relevant discipline.

A3       Up to date knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including by not limited to Health and Safety.

Desirable

B1     Degree or equivalent in relevant discipline desirable. Working towards Professional Registration with relevant body.

Skills

Essential 

C1       Demonstrable specialist technical skills aligned to the specified discipline or research project (i.e. project-relevant skills and expertise). Details of the discipline/project are as described in the post- specific information and advert.

C2         Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist or bespoke software packages.

C3       Significant analytical and problem-solving capability, including high degree of accuracy and attention to detail when dealing with complex data

C4         Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret technical requirements of a research group and adapt own style to meet the needs of others

C5         Excellent teamworking skills and where relevant to the post, supervisory or line management skills.

C6         Ability to plan and prioritise a broad range of technical work to meet competing demands.

Experience 

Essential

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

E2        Experience of understanding and interpreting complex technical requirements of service users and implementing appropriate methods of achieving their needs.

E3        Experience of managing budgets, including approving spends and monitoring outgoings on behalf of others.

E4       Experience of operating independently in progressing and delivering research goals within set timescales.

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time (35 hours per week) for 3 years, with the possibility of extension.

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.