The University At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team. Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values click here The Role and Department The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the top UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and employability of our students. Ranked in the top 10 in REF2022 in terms of power, 96% of Durham Physics research was considered either to be of "internationally excellent quality" or "world leading". The post holder will be responsible for learning and assisting with the day-to-day technical functions and operations in the Department of Physics, providing technical and engineering related assistance from within the technical team. The post holder will be required to undertake formal training within the Teaching and Research Laboratories of the Department with an opportunity to gain further skills from placement within the Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering workshops in order to provide technical assistance to support all teaching and research activities conducted within the Department. In addition, the post holder will be required to follow an approved apprenticeship training framework from either a Laboratory Technician or a Mechanical / Electronic Engineering discipline delivered by an external provider. Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: • You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. • You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions. • Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16. • We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community. • Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). • If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships. • We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. What you need to demonstrate when you apply To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for: 1. Achievement of at least five GCSE's at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics. 2. Good spoken and written communication skills. 3. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email. 4. Basic numeracy and literacy skills. 5. Experience of working in a team. 6. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines. 7. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately. 8. Ability to follow health and safety guidelines. 9. Experience of working in a customer focussed technical service. 10. Familiarity with or an interest in scientific, technical, and creative equipment. Desirable Criteria Achievement of a T Level technical qualification in any from Laboratory Technician, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical and Electronic Engineering. How to Apply We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from oure-recruitmentsystem. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. Who to contact for more information If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Mr Wayne Dobby would be happy to speak to you. Mr Wayne Dobby, Department of Physics Technical Services and Facilities Manager (wayne.dobby@durham.ac.uk). Typical Role Requirements Service Delivery • Provide an excellent service from a laboratory technician perspective towards our staff and students, your immediate and wider technical team and anyone else you come across as part of your role by carrying out your tasks using the relevant skills and procedures (which we will provide training for). • Use a range of manual, electronic and specialist tools and equipment to deliver services under supervision. • Follow documented service procedures, referring to more experienced colleagues with less straightforward issues. • Operate, clean, and maintain straightforward investigative, analytical, and sensing, mechanical, and digital equipment under supervision. • Carry out a range of tasks that require a more than standard level of physical, manual, and sensory dexterity, following training, for short periods of time. • Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations on a day-to-day basis including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided e.g. safety shoes, eye protection etc. • Gather and/or record data on standard systems in accordance with protocols and procedures. Teamwork • Assist team members to complete tasks to meet learning, teaching, and/or research objectives. • Assist team members to prepare, set-up, and dismantle specialist equipment, tools, and facilities under supervision. • Assist team members to monitor and replenish stock levels of resources. • Contribute input within a service team to provide a responsive service for stakeholders. • Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service such as attendance at outreach and presentation events. • Contribute to team effort with more straightforward tasks during peak workflows. • Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues. Communication/Personal • Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values. • Learn new skills and techniques on the job working alongside more experienced team members. • Learn about the hazards and risks within own area of work and report any near miss, incidents, and accidents in accordance with recognised procedures and protocols. • Respond to straightforward requests for information from stakeholders. • Demonstrate some pre-employment familiarity with the techniques, and processes used in the service area. • Respond to routine requests for information. • Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role. •Any other reasonable duties. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.