Technician: Chemistry

Job Purpose

To provide high quality technical support as part of the Laboratory Services Division in the School of Engineering, supporting research, undergraduate and post graduate teaching. The role includes overseeing the organisation and daily running of laboratory activities, and conducting and supporting scientific investigations and experiments, working alongside the research staff of the laboratories. The candidate will be required to apply a range of management, material science, and chemical skills to support world leading research projects, and contribute to School strategic objectives.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Provide in-depth technical support for world leading scientific research projects in chemical and biological techniques. Be a first point of contact for lab users and contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of the lab to ensure an excellent experience for service users.

2.  Use relevant skills, initiative and judgement to interpret client needs and deliver solutions. To contribute to the delivery of research objectives and help achieve excellence in teaching standards in the School.

3.  Collect, analyse and interpret data and ensure that accurate records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly.  Present findings accurately.

4.  Set up, operation and testing of scientific laboratory equipment. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems carrying out appropriate maintenance and contacting relevant service providers as required. Source and purchase equipment as directed.

5.  Advise and assist staff and students on design, development, preparation and construction of experiments. Keep abreast of new techniques, implementing improvements to procedures as well as researching the safety data of all reagents and chemical material.

6.  To adhere to, contribute to and assist with the management of health and safety policies and relevant safety regulations in conjunction with senior technical staff including ensuring good laboratory practice and safe working practices (chemical and biological).

7.  Be responsible for handling and disposal of solvent and chemical waste and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation in labs across the school. Prepare risk assessments and COSHH forms in line with local and legal requirements and carry out lab inductions for new lab users.

8.  Resolve technical issues in relation to specialist equipment and their maintenance, such as water systems and chromatography systems and diagnose faults/technical problems with equipment and/or processes. Rectify or facilitate repair work liaising with external contractors and Estates and Buildings. Training will be provided where necessary.

9.  Maintain stocks of chemicals and consumables, prepare specialised buffers, solutions and samples. Purchase consumables and supplies within defined budget. Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials.

10. Carry out tasks and utilise skills and experience in laboratories across the School as directed by the Laboratory Services Manager.

11. Support undergraduate teaching laboratories ensuring all required equipment and materials are available for laboratory teaching.

12. Train and supervise undergraduate, postgraduate students, technical apprentices and other technicians in line with a School objective to encourage skills transfer and continuous personal development.

13. Engage in personal development through UofG Performance and Development Review process, on the job development and personal study.

14.  Proactive engagement in UofG initiatives including the Technician Commitment and, Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role or SCQF level 7 [SVQ level 3/HNC] or equivalent, [including professional accreditation with relevant formal training], plus experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2 Detailed knowledge of Chemistry.

A3 Detailed knowledge of all aspects of laboratory safety, COSHH and Risk Assessments

Desirable

B1 Degree in Chemistry or similar subjects

B2 Biology related qualification

Skills

C1 Strong Chemistry technical skills

C2 Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability, including high degree of accuracy and attention to detail

C3 Excellent team working and supervisory skills.

C4 Proven interpersonal and communication skills.

C5 Relevant technical experience in a similar or related role

C6 Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of service users and meeting the needs of staff and students in a busy laboratory

C7 Strong time management skills and ability to prioritise work according to the demands of busy teaching/research laboratories.

C8 Ability to use a range of analytical software

Desirable

D1 Good knowledge of Chromatography (HPLC, Ion Chromatography)

D2 Good knowledge of Mass Spectroscopy/Gas Chromatography

D3 Knowledge of water quality analysis (COD, TOC, Ion Chromatography)

D4 Experience of developing COSHH forms and risk assessments.

Experience

Essential

E1 Sufficient relevant technical experience in a similar or related role

E2 Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of service users and meeting the needs of staff and students in a busy laboratory

E3 Working in a busy scientific lab

E4 Supporting multiple lab user groups

Desirable

F1 Multidisciplinary science background

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 4, £22,681 – £25,138 or Grade 5, £25,138 – £29,605 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended.

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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