Senior Teaching Technician - Collaborative Teaching Laboratory - 8196 - Grade 5

Role Summary

Main Duties

• If in a supervisory position, you will supervise the day-to-day activities of a number of other technical staff.
• You will provide support and guidance and work closely with your staff in relation to working requirements, working environment, staff wellbeing, identifying any training requirements as appropriate.
• Even if you are not in a supervisory position, you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach staff in the locality.
• You will discuss the daily programme of work with your manager and other technical staff in the area to ensure the daily programme of work, session protocols and outcomes are clear.
• You will plan, based on the available timetabling information, the most efficient/effective means to turnaround the daily classes.
• You will research, design, trial & modifying practical protocols for class teaching.
• Support the teaching laboratories managers where required and to deputise for them in their absence.
• Keeping the teaching laboratories manager informed as to changes to protocols/sessions, content of any discussions with academic session leads and other matters relating to the teaching laboratories.
• Initiate discussion with the teaching laboratories manager on any issues that may compromise the core function of the laboratories or for information that is related to the core functions of the teaching laboratories.
• Instruct and provide high level technical support for students in the correct and safe handling of laboratory and equipment including preparation of samples, analysis methods and preparation techniques.
• Prepare and support open day, Applicant Visitor Day events, Continuous Professional Development and other external requirements within the laboratories or other areas as and when required.
• Oversee that the laboratories are suitably prepared for practicals and the setup/takedown of equipment/materials used during sessions.
• Check practical layouts prior to classes and ensure that all requirements are in place.
• Be familiar with the use of a broad spectrum of general laboratory equipment and specialised equipment.
• Demonstrate equipment use, high level techniques and procedures to staff and students.
• Trouble-shoot and respond to problems, which may occur during practical sessions, using your in-depth knowledge and your ability to diagnose/resolve problems and suggest solutions.
• Ensure that the apparatus and laboratories are suitably prepared for practicals and students’ projects, including the setup and takedown of equipment and materials used during sessions. Plan the most efficient means to set up the laboratory and turn around between timetabled sessions. Assist academic staff in the smooth running of laboratory sessions.
• Perform tests on equipment, make quantitative measurements to ensure it is functioning and correctly.
• In collaboration with other members of the team, ensure electronic, mechanical, optical, and vacuum equipment is diagnosed, repaired, replaced or restocked as necessary. Because of timetable constraints, faults and shortages must be put right without delay.
• Assist in the development of new equipment in liaison with the Team Leader and academic staff. This will include operating the apparatus, recording and collating data. Liaise with workshop and IT staff as required.

Health and Safety duties

• Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. This may include being required to look after a communal area as part of your duties. Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.
• Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff (at all levels) on the correct usage of the equipment.
• Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
• Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for laboratory.
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for the laboratory.
• Post holders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider.

General Administration and Organisation

Other Duties

• In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.
• Treats everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation. Respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures.
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Experience in some of the techniques used in a physical science-based laboratory is mandatory. These could include the production of electronics, including design, PCB manufacture and repair; mechanical design, CAD and machine-shop techniques; the use of instruments such as oscilloscopes, signal generators and analysers; the use of microcontrollers and PC-based data acquisition, the use of laser- optical- telescope- or vacuum systems.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team. Must possess excellent communication skills (both oral and written) and good interpersonal skills. The ability to interact effectively with students and teaching staff is important.
• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• 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 university policies and procedures relating to equality and diversity.
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document .

Dimensions

Planning and organising

Problem solving and decision making

Internal and external relationships