Technician

Job Purpose

The Environmental Radiocarbon Laboratory at SUERC is seeking to appoint a Grade 6 Laboratory Technician. The post is designed to deliver key technical aspects of our analytical and method development programs for the radiocarbon measurement of environmental and paleoenvironmental samples.

The role will provide technical support to process environmental samples for radiocarbon measurement as part of a high-functioning academic research laboratory. The role will also support the improvement of existing methods, and the development of new approaches, to advance analytical capabilities. The post holder will be involved in the supervision and training of visiting students and academics associated with a wide variety of research projects and sample types. The post holder will join an experienced team of technical and academic staff, working under management supervision. Although prior experience working in a scientific laboratory is required to be eligible for this position, full training can be provided in job aspects specific to radiocarbon science.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Perform work to agreed timescales. Work both independently and collaboratively with other lab members and external academics. Complete tasks efficiently, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and regular progress reporting.

2. Process samples for radiocarbon measurement in line with laboratory Quality Assurance targets. Develop and extend specialist expertise in techniques or sample types as required by lab management.

3. Plan and oversee the running of specific lab area(s) and equipment as allocated. Maintain labs and equipment to the required standard.

4. Monitor Quality Control and performance of techniques and instruments used. Take responsibility for diagnosing and rectifying faults/problems.

5. Contribute to the development of new or improved techniques, equipment and systems. This includes the generation of ideas for optimising and improving these items.

6. Advise and assist colleagues in setting up experiments and deploying techniques to support a variety of projects. This includes in-house training and supervision to visiting researchers.

7. Monitor and maintain the stock of consumables and equipment that is required for own area of responsibility. Support others as required in these activities, including helping to advise on the purchasing of items.

8. Communicate and liaise with the wider University body as well as users of the University’s services and/or external consultants/suppliers, where appropriate.

9. Ensure compliance with relevant Health and Safety and other legislative requirements during all work. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of aspects of these that are relevant to one’s work and perform related activities as they are assigned. Monitor and maintain a safe working environment for self and others.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Either: The 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. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 [Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma] or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2  Evidence of relevant technical knowledge, expertise, and experience that is relevant to working in an analytical laboratory setting.

A3 Up to date knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including but not limited to Health and Safety.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

Essential:

C1 Ability to work safely, efficiently, and accurately in a scientific laboratory. This should include working in an organised way to meet Quality Control standards, accurate record-keeping, and reporting of work

C2 Experience of independently progressing work to achieve targets within set timescales. This includes applying initiative and judgement to ensure an efficient workflow.

C3 Hands-on experience of wet chemistry and operation of scientific equipment in a laboratory. Proven ability to work to a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

C4 Hands-on experience of maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment. Experience in independently identifying, troubleshooting and resolving problems with techniques and/or equipment.

C5 Ability to work collaboratively and productively as part of a scientific team, including effective training and supervision of others in the use of techniques and equipment.

C6 Experience in either the improvement of existing laboratory techniques, or development of new techniques, showing personal initiative in this area.

C7 Experience in accurate data handling using spreadsheets and word processing software for interpretation and presentation of results.

C8 Experience of liaising with suppliers, contractors, and/or external organisations (e.g. for purchasing of consumables

C9 Understanding and experience of Health and Safety compliance in a scientific laboratory setting including working to COSHH regulations and performing risk assessments.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £30,502 – £34,308 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for up to 3 years in the first instance. 

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.

3 A flexible approach to working.

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/

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