Salary: Grade 5 (£25,138- £29,605)
Contract: Full-time (35 hours a week), Open-Ended
Detailed description
Heriot-Watt University launched its BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science programme in September 2022. Based on its Edinburgh Campus, the Sport and Exercise Science programme is an exciting collaboration with Oriam, Scotland’s National Performance Centre, and is part of a significant University wide investment in Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity research and teaching provision.
We are now seeking to appoint a technician in Sport & Exercise Science to support the delivery of our programme. The successful candidate will be involved in supporting the preparation and running of applied teaching and research projects covering both laboratory and field work. Facilities are available within both Heriot-Watt University and Oriam. As we continue to build our team of technical support in this area, we are seeking to appoint an individual with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:
1. Sport/Exercise Physiology
2. Biomechanics
3. Sports Engineering and/or Technology
Key duties and responsibilities
4. Ensure the effective running of the Sport & Exercise Science related facilities on a day-to-day basis
5. Plan, set up and prepare undergraduate teaching labs and provide technical instruction and guidance for students and staff.
6. Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
7. Set up experimental apparatus and carry out tests under operational conditions
8. To assist in the development of specialised equipment or processes for use in research and teaching.
9. Diagnose faults and undertake repairs/ maintenance on relevant equipment, and apparatus used in research and teaching laboratories
10. Mentor, train and instruct junior staff
11. Understand and acknowledge risks associated with the work activity and always operate in a safe and compliant manner applying control measures identified through risk assessment.
12. Order equipment and consumables
13. Assist with field trips, where required
14. Monitor changes/trends and technical advances/ developments in Sport & Exercise Science and continue to expand and improve skills to keep up with these developments
15. Establish strong working relationships to understand and manage the user demand and requirements, ensuring that the requirements of our teaching programmes and research activities are understood, assessed, and prioritised.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and, particularly as the team is growing, the role holder will be required to be adaptable and undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post – for example support for wider bioscience student laboratories. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Education, Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be based.
Essential
16. Educated to SCQF Level 7-8 (HNC/HND) or an Apprenticeship in a relevant subject plus ideally 2 years’ post-qualification work experience in a relevant role; or comparable equivalent relevant work experience.
17. Experience of working in a Sport & Exercise Science, or a relevant scientific discipline
18. A clear understanding of practical Sport & Exercise Science teaching and research issues/considerations
19. Ability to use and maintain specialist equipment
20. Ability to understand and capture Sport & Exercise Science data
21. Able to set up a wide range of relevant apparatus/equipment and advise on correct use
22. Able to plan and organise assigned projects/programmes of work.
23. Good technical fault finding and problem-solving skills
24. Experience in providing technical support to undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels
25. Experience in using Microsoft Office and statistical software (e.g., R)
26. Demonstrable willingness and ability to continuously learn and develop new skills in line with changing trends in the technology field.
27. Well-developed interpersonal skills
28. Demonstrable excellent customer service
29. Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly, and accurately in a dynamic, changing, and pressured environment
30. Demonstrable professional and proactive approach
Desirable:
31. A degree in a relevant subject area (or other similar qualification)
32. Appropriate training/qualifications in relevant technical areas
33. Experience in establishing new laboratory facilities.
34. Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice guidance and procedures for human research.
35. Previous experience of working with human tissue.
Competencies, Tasks and Responsibilities
The tasks and responsibilities listed under the following Competency Headings form part of all technical roles in the University at this level and it is expected that the role-holder will always perform them to at least an effective standard.
Teamwork
36. Contribute to and provide general support across the team
37. Participate in working groups and committees within the team, School/Directorate as required
38. Contribute to collective decisions on team/discipline issues through meetings and direct communication with the line manager.
39. Train team/colleagues in operational activities by providing technical instruction and guidance for students and staff on the appropriate use of equipment as required
40. Carry out practical demonstrations of equipment, etc., to a class or cohort of students as required
41. Cover for other colleagues within the immediate team
Service Excellence
42. Create a positive image of the University by being responsive, prompt, and courteous when responding to requests or enquiries from customers
43. Maintain service standards for the team
44. Produce standard and ad hoc reports as requested
45. Enter and maintain records and data into the appropriate university system
46. Comply with University Policies when always managing or processing personal and other confidential information
47. Develop and refine designs from limited or incomplete information
48. Liaise with internal and external teams, committees, bodies etc. to ensure an effective service
49. Carry out general lab duties and maintain lab equipment.
50. Keep working area clean and tidy in line with appropriate H&S requirements
51. Ensure that equipment/apparatus/systems etc in your area are maintained, serviced, backed-up and repaired as required, reporting any issues to your manager
Clear and Consistent Communications
52. Always maintain confidentiality by following university policies and guidance in managing confidential information and personal data
53. Explain regulations, operating instructions or other information to colleagues and students
54. Reply to simple requests for information, routing enquiries where information is standard/routine.
55. Write standard communications using templates, understanding what parts of the template to use as appropriate
56. Draft non-standard communication for review and use by more senior members of the team
57. Disseminate news and information to relevant customers and colleagues
58. Collect and analyse data and report results where necessary
Planning and Organising
59. Plan, schedule, prioritise and manage own work activities within established procedures and protocols
60. Organise and set up teaching labs and demonstrations as required
61. Plan, set-up and implement field work
62. Provide appropriate support for technical inspections
63. File, archive and destroy data in line with the University Data Protection & Retention Policy
64. Support School/Directorate and team processes and procedures by meeting schedules and timetables
65. Plan projects and work programmes delegated by the Supervisor
66. Plan the method and approach for relevant technical/scientific procedures
67. Organise and prioritise access to equipment and tools in conjunction with colleagues
68. Organise installation and trial of manufactured components in close liaison with customers
Initiative and Problem Solving
69. Act as first point of contact for queries from customers by phone, email, system-generated and in person
70. Identify and support process improvement
71. React to problems using judgement and experience to solve routine issues
72. Carry out compliance/safety checks
73. Decipher verbal instructions, drawings, electronic media and propose solutions where information is inaccurate or incomplete
74. Diagnose faults/problems, identify solutions and effect suitable repairs/fixes
Decision Making
75. Provide advice and guidance, respond to queries, and refer more complex queries to more senior members of the team as appropriate, or where unfamiliar technologies make it necessary
76. Understand the appropriate tools to use when undertaking day to day tasks
77. Make decisions on technical approach and methods of manufacture
78. Make decisions on selecting appropriate machines, materials, equipment and apparatus
79. Make decisions about working safely and how to minimise risks
Management Responsibilities
80. Mentor junior staff and engage with training and instruction of apprentices, other non-specialist staff and students in line with a philosophy of encouraging skills improvement and development.
81. You may be asked to take on management or supervisory duties on occasion as part of your personal development
Citizenship
82. Always demonstrate the University Values through performance and behaviour
83. Participate in ad-hoc duties to support the team/University and for personal development
84. Support newer or inexperienced colleagues within and outside the University by offering support, help and advice
85. Positively promote the University internally and externally through positive behaviour and supporting University-wide activities
This job description is intended as a flexible framework which outlines the key general areas of activity in your position. Other activities may be required which are not outlined above but which are appropriate to the position and grade. Your personal objectives (Forward Job Plan) will also set out specific tasks and objectives for you to achieve, including objectives to help your career development.