The role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Leading Technician in the Biomedical Sciences Teaching Laboratories.
We are looking to welcome the successful candidate into the dedicated Teaching and Development team, providing excellent service and support as the Leading Technician in the School of Biochemistry teaching laboratories. The labs are used to deliver undergraduate and taught post-graduate practical teaching sessions 100’s of students who pass through the labs in any given teaching week. Delivery of a range of practical techniques supporting the academic concepts taught in units such as Biological Chemistry, Cellular Processes and Cellular Composition are supported. This includes those techniques investigating enzyme kinetics and inhibition to cloning of DNA in E.coli to analysis of proteins associated with human diseases.
As well as servicing the undergraduate practical lab, you will also support academics delivering final year undergraduate and lab-based taught post-graduate projects undertaking both Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences degrees.
You will lead, and line manage staff in your area, organise, prioritising and assigning tasks as needed to achieve team objectives. You will also have responsibility for communication, recruitment, welfare and development of the Biochemistry Teaching Technical Support Team.
If you are a proactive individual who enjoys busy days in a dynamic environment with a passion for technical excellence and a commitment to providing outstanding service in supporting delivery of, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
What will you be doing?
1. Working with key stakeholders (School of Biochemistry academics delivering teaching and technical colleagues) to facilitate provision of technical support services in delivery of undergraduate practical teaching.
2. Take responsibility for all laboratory and equipment maintenance as well as operational preparation of all material required for practicals.
3. Lead and line manage the Biochemistry Teaching Technical team (c. 4) utilising the full range of management responsibilities (recruitment, succession planning, communication, welfare and development) as well as providing technical leadership to other Teaching and Development team technicians, undergraduate and postgraduate students.
4. Supporting academic teaching staff, advising on operational practical provision where appropriate.
5. Leading on local operational safety, ensuring compliance with the relevant local rules, policies and legislative requirements.
There will also be daily student interaction, which can involve ad-hoc instruction or troubleshooting of equipment and reagents.
You should apply if
6. You have a proven track record of using initiative in response to evolving demands to enable delivery of excellent service.
7. You are committed to fostering productive and supportive relationships with all key stakeholders.
8. You have experience in leading or supervising small teams.
9. You are committed to providing quality technical support for delivery of practical teaching in the School of Biochemistry.
Applications particularly welcome from individuals with some experience of Biochemistry or related-subject lab environments as well as an ability to work hard in a busy environment and respond to evolving demands. Further experience of Higher Education environment or supporting delivery of practical teaching a particular advantage.