Technician Teaching & Research (GES NUIST / Microbiology)

Technical Services is seeking to appoint a Laboratory Technician to join a small team of technicians based in the School of Archaeology, Geography & Environmental Sciences (SAGES). For prospective candidates with a background in the physical earth, environmental or archaeological sciences, this post offers an exciting employment opportunity at the University of Reading that currently ranks No. 1 in the UK for research quality in Archaeology (REF 2021) and very highly rated for Earth Systems and Environmental Science. The post-holder will work alongside researchers tackling the global issues of climate change, natural disasters and human impacts in the past.

Candidates should refer to the Essential Criteria listed in the Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the apply button), when preparing their supporting statements. Training will be provided in specialist techniques and use of equipment, where necessary.

The University of Reading is a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment, a sector-wide initiative led by the Science Council and supported by the Gatsby Foundation to help address key challenges facing technical staff working in research.

The post-holder will be responsible for:

• The day-to-day running and upkeep of specialist laboratory facilities dedicated to large group practical teaching in environmental and earth systems science, along with a small Microbiology laboratory suite.
• Providing support for teaching practicals (e.g., setting-up/setting-down; including preparation of Technical Notes and associated risk assessments).
• Managing bookings for project dissertation students, for bench space, equipment and logging of samples.
• Managing hazardous waste, stock keeping, ordering consumables and housekeeping, as part of the Laboratory Coordinator system.
• Providing laboratory inductions and training in the preparation, extraction and analysis of soil, sediment and plant samples generated by staff and students for teaching and research purposes.
• Providing support to senior technicians by helping with the preparation of solutions for use with analytical instrumentation.
• The operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of field sensors and testing kit used for laboratory practicals and field classes.
• Providing support for laboratory infrastructure (e.g., Defra regulated sample storage; gas cylinders & regulators; Laboratory Coordinator system).
• Engaging with Health & Safety compliance training, as provided.
• Effectively planning and prioritising allocated work activities on a day-to-day basis.

You will have:

• Technical experience of working in a laboratory environment.
• Achievement equivalent to HNC, AS/A-Levels, NVQ3 in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or related subject; a degree in a similar subject with more limited experience.
• Good general knowledge of techniques used to analyse the geochemistry and microbiology of soils, plants and water.
• Knowledge and experience of operating in accordance with Health and Safety regulations at work.
• Ability to work flexibly during term-time.

Interview date: Week beginning 13/02/2023.

Informal Contact Details
Contact role: Technical Manager
Contact name: Dr George Gibbings
Contact email: j.g.gibbings@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Informal Contact Details
Contact role: Associate Director of Technical Services (Cluster 2)
Contact name: Dr Karen Wicks
Contact email: k.wicks@reading.ac.uk

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

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