Washroom Assistant

Job Purpose

The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) within the School of Infection and Immunity are seeking to appoint a Washroom Assistant.  The purpose of the job is to support the infrastructure of the CVR by being part of a small team supplying a sterilisation and wash-up service for research laboratories within the CVR (principally the Sir Michael Stoker Building and the Henry Wellcome Building), including monitoring and changing of nitrogen cylinders and dispensing of liquid nitrogen.

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 on a daily basis for handwashing, machine washing and sterilising as required.

3. Check and replace nitrogen cylinders as required, taking delivery of cylinders and liaising with the Building and Operations Manager on stock levels.

4. Provide support to researchers and the Electron Microscopy facility by dispensing liquid nitrogen into transport vessels.

5. Carry out monthly checks of the personal oxygen depletion monitor located in the cryo freezer park.

6. Collect pipettes and waste within autoclave bins and sterilise via autoclaving.

7. Wash cages, pans, capsules, and nets for the insectary.

8. Clean troughs, tubs, and bins for the Containment Level 3 suite during periods of maintenance.

9. Load, unload and operate washing machines, autoclaves, and sterilising ovens.

10. Decontaminate incubator trays and freezer waste via steam sterilisation.

11. Prepare disinfectant on a weekly basis for sterilising of pipettes.

12. Ensure all waste is disposed of safely and appropriately as set out in the CVR Waste Management Policy.

13. Liaise with the Waste Contractor during uplift of waste and monitor the disposal of waste bags.

14. Ensure safe disposal of broken glassware.

15. Ensure glassware, plasticware etc is meticulously clean and effective quality control of materials is carried out.

16. Replenish stock in laboratories/insectary and arrange uplift/replacement of autoclave bins.

17. Ensure appropriate containers are filled with dry ice.

18. Assist the Washroom Supervisor with the management of stock levels and when required order stock through MVLS Stores

19. Carry out general housekeeping within the freezer parks.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria, using the CVR’s template form (link below).  If you do not address each criteria, then you will not be shortlisted for interview.   

Knowledge/Qualifications, Skills and Experience

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.

A2. Knowledge of glass washing procedures and autoclaving.

A3. Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, including the hazards associated with cleaning and disinfection of chemicals and an understanding of safe manual handling techniques.

A4. Knowledge in the safe handling of liquid nitrogen and the changing of gas cylinders.

Skills

Essential

C1. Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and contractors.

C2. Flexible and enthusiastic approach to work.

C3. Capable of working independently and as part of a team.

C4. Self-motivated and able to manage time efficiently.

C5. Ability to handle tasks of a repetitive nature.

C6. Ability to follow instructions.

C7. Willing to participate in training to acquire additional skills.

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. Experience in laboratory housekeeping duties.

E3. Experience in preparing and handling chemicals for cleaning and disinfectant.

E4. Ability to use initiative and good judgement to solve problems.

E5. Manual handling awareness.

E6. Good organisational skills.

Informal enquiries about this post may be directed to Elizabeth McMonagle,

([email protected])

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 3, £21,900 - £22,681.

This post is full-time (35hours per week, Monday to Friday), and has funding until 31 March 2028 in the first instance.

The working hours are Monday to Friday, 07:00-15:00 hours.

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.