Biological Laboratory Technician

Job Description

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary: £19,623 with progression to £21,686 per annum, pro rata

Closing Date: 7 October 2021

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of technical staff supporting the biological research activities of the School of Natural Environmental Sciences through the provision of technical expertise and management of biological laboratories and facilities. You will be part of the Marine Science technical team supporting the academic and research staff and students within the Ridley Building and associated facilities.

This position is available immediately and is offered on a part time (20 hours per week) open ended basis. We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible working. We appoint on merit and particularly welcome applications from groups that are currently underrepresented in Technical Professional Services such as LGBTQ+, black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues, disabled colleagues and individuals who identify as female.

For more information or informal enquiries, please contact David Whitaker: email david.whitaker@newcastle.ac.uk

Key Accountabilities

To ensure tidiness of the laboratories and to facilitate their efficient use. To demonstrate standard laboratory techniques, within the expertise of the post-holder, to undergraduate and postgraduate students
To undertake safe disposal of solutions and materials on completion of activities as directed by senior technical staff. Perform all duties in compliance with the statutory and local safety arrangements for the laboratory. Report any failures of compliance to the senior technical staff for the area.
Under the direction of the senior staff, initiate orders to ensure sufficient supply of consumables and materials and ensure that the labs are kept stocked of all consumable items including gloves, wipes, disposable plastics etc.
Administer the reception of incoming goods, ensuring correct distribution to end users; and that the appropriate signatures for receipt of goods is obtained. Ensure that goods receipts are entered into the SAP purchasing system in a timely manner.
To prepare solutions, media and laboratory consumables (both sterile and non-sterile) according to standard protocols and to ensure adequate supplies are maintained in laboratories
Demonstrate laboratory techniques to staff and students as appropriate and under the direction of senior technical staff
To operate autoclaves and washing machines for sterilisation, disposal and cleaning of laboratory equipment and consumables. Manage laundry arrangements for the labs to send dirty lab coats away for cleaning and resupply to laboratory end users.
Undertake some frontline maintenance of equipment as directed by senior technical staff.
To maintain, preserve and produce in sufficient quantity animal, microbial and algal cultures for use in teaching and research programmes to ensure that cultures are available as required.
To dispose hazardous materials according to standard University procedures.
Ensure compliance with relevant safety procedures including relevant risk assessments. In conjunction with the School safety officer monitor compliance with all statutory and local safety arrangements
Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required

The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Excellent team working skills
Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability
Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines
Diligence and attention to detail
Positive and proactive approach to duties
Contribute to design and specification of projects
Ability to adapt to changes in laboratory / research priorities
Basic understanding of Health and Safety

Desirable

Have experience in using autoclaves
Have experience in using aseptic technique
Have demonstrable experience of managing stock control
Have experience using computer based ordering systems
Have experience of writing COSHH, BioCOSHH risk assessments

Attributes and Behaviour
Team-working (Self)

Works collaboratively with others, plays a positive role in teams and establishes and grows relationships across the organisation where different skills, expertise and opinions are valued.
Shares relevant and useful information with others.
Respects the expertise and contribution of others even if own opinion is different.
Willing to help others and share workloads

Planning and organising (Self)

Works in a planned and structured way
Ensures that all activities are completed on time
Ensures that others know how processes and systems work
Set own priorities in conjunction with team and area objectives

Finding Solutions

Looks at ways of overcoming obstacles rather than coming to a standstill
Keeps an open mind to alternative ways of doing things

Delivering services (Self)

Keeps fellow team members up to date with progress
Pays attention to detail
Has a positive attitude for doing things better
Takes responsibility for achieving own targets
Co-operates with others to achieve targets
Strives to deliver high quality results
Is enthusiastic in getting job done on time

Embracing change (Self)

Recognises the need for change and is forward looking. Promotes the benefits of change to others and regularly comes up with new ideas. Has the willingness to adopt new ways of working and to make improvements

Qualifications

GCSE/ NVQ / O-levels or equivalent experience

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

The University holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University also holds the HR Excellence in Research award for our work to support the career development of our researchers, and is a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.



We understand how important the full employment package is to our colleagues at Newcastle University and we are committed to providing a great range of benefits and discounts for all. You can learn more about what is available here on our Benefits Website page.

Requisition ID: 11742