Biological Electron Microscopy Technician

Weekly Working Hours:  37

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract until 1 October 2025

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The STEM Faculty is a dynamic hub for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and research. It comprised of 6 Schools and one Institute. Our faculty comprises 2,500 staff, including 1,800 Associate Lecturers. We offer 185+ modules for undergraduates and postgraduates, supporting 19,000+ students (29% of the Open University total). We excel in research, generating around £17 million in income, the highest in the university, supported by extensive laboratory facilities. We make STEM education accessible to diverse students, creating satisfying learning experiences. We lead in teaching practical science and engineering through distance education, utilizing advanced labs and experimentation. We provide unparalleled STEM education, enhancing employability, and addressing real-world challenges, including the UK's STEM skill shortages. This position will be based in Electron Microscopy Suite (Laboratory Infrastructure, Deanery).

The role

We are searching for an enthusiastic microscopy technician to join our Electron Microscopy Core Facility within the Faculty of STEM, supporting both internal and external research projects.

You will prepare biological samples for electron microscopy, ensuring quality and accurate record-keeping. Key duties include operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the electron microscope, as well as training users on TEM while adhering to strict safety protocols. You will undertake industrial clients' work, collaborate with facility and university staff, and contribute to reports preparation. Additional responsibilities include maintaining an organized and clean laboratory environment, organizing reagents, operating fluorescence microscopes, and assisting with student training as required.

Skills and experience

This role will suit you if you have:

• A degree of or have equivalent experience in a relevant biological science subject.
• Experience in the operation of Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM).
• Experience in sample preparation of biological samples for TEM imaging.

What you get in return

We also offer a great range of benefits that support our employees and their families for the long term. Staff Benefits include an attractive pension proposition and 30 days holiday per annum pro rata, plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

Closing Date: 12 September 2024

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