Senior Laboratory Technician

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388

Role Summary

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in our research laboratories and facilities. You will need an understanding of laboratory techniques and experimental protocols to enable you to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise. 

The post holder will also be expected to maintain laboratory equipment, order consumables, carry out laboratory inductions and to write / maintain a database of COSHH assessments, laboratory risk assessments and standard operating procedures where appropriate. 

The post holder will also provide support for and contribute to College activities under the direction of the Technical Manager and School Heads of Operations as required.

Main Duties

• Proactive support to practical laboratory research activities in the CoLES Schools including but not limited to microscopy, wet lab techniques, media/sample preparation. 
• Carry out or assist in managing experiments within the facilities. 
• Advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students. 
• Diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions regarding techniques and experiments.
• Communicate directly and work closely with PIs, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduates and other internal and external users on projects and experiments. 
• Maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out and create or update where necessary, any SOPS associated with equipment. 
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity e.g. COSHH, LEV, pressure systems, lifting equipment.
• Contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.
• Troubleshoot technical problems and liaise with manufacturer to organise maintenance visits and scheduled services.
• Contribute to the invoicing of facility and maintenance of facility budgets by ensuring the best use of equipment through the established booking systems, if appropriate. 

Person Specification

• A degree in an environmental science/earth science/geographical/biosciences subject or equivalent in experience. 
• Good health and safety knowledge in the use of safe handling of laboratory equipment and hazardous chemicals and substances. 
• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods. 
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team. 
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

Informal enquiries can be made to Eimear Orgill, email: e.b.orgill@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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