Overview
Teaching Support Technician - School of Engineering - 80489 - Grade 4. Full-time, permanent role based at University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK. Closing date: 2 November 2025. UK travel may be required.
Salary: £27,166 to £28,768, with progression to £32,145 on appointment.
We are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion, and support flexible working where possible. The University offers a broad benefits package including 40 days paid holiday, volunteering day, occupational sick pay, a pension scheme, and access to nurseries.
Role Summary
The post provides specialist technical support for a workshop training programme for undergraduate Mechanical Engineering students. The post holder will manage, operate and continually review and evaluate the programme according to accreditation requirements. The post holder will support final year projects, PGT projects and other student-led activities (e.g., UB Racing team & Brum Eco team).
Main Duties
Teaching Duties
* Provide wide-ranging support in the teaching laboratories, including active participation in the delivery of practical classes.
* Plan efficient/effective turnaround of daily classes; set up and clear away equipment, consumables and reagents; ensure laboratories are prepared for practicals.
* Test, maintain and calibrate precision instrumentation.
* Monitor and replenish consumables; prepare orders and collect items from stores.
* Diagnose and resolve in-class equipment problems; demonstrate equipment and techniques during classes.
* Test and, where appropriate, modify protocols in conjunction with the manager.
* Liaise with managers regarding requirements and instruct other staff.
* Prepare laboratories for events such as open days; may participate in demonstrations on open days.
Health and Safety
* Uphold compliance with University and local Health & Safety policies; manage risk assessments and manual handling, and report breaches to the relevant manager.
* Manage safe handling and disposal of all materials used in practical classes or laboratories, including hazardous materials.
* Prepare risk assessments as required and maintain records; carry out regular maintenance as appropriate.
Administrative Duties
* Maintain stocks of consumables; create purchase order requisitions if necessary.
* Receive and store consumables and chemical reagents correctly.
* Ensure facilities are clean, functional and safe; report problems as appropriate.
* Report unresolved equipment or service problems to the line manager; support carbon reduction and energy-saving measures where practicable.
* Support equality and values diversity; monitor own behaviour to avoid discriminatory impact.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
* Working knowledge of manual lathes and mills would be advantageous, or a willingness to learn.
* Essential: good knowledge of health and safety issues.
* Full UK driving licence essential due to forklift use.
* Strong organisational and administrative skills; able to record information accurately in online systems.
* Flexible and proactive attitude; good communication and interpersonal skills to influence compliance from PIs to students.
* Some work in evenings and weekends; occasional extended periods away from Birmingham, including overseas travel.
* First aider qualification desirable; NVQ/BTEC/ONC at level 3 or equivalent advantageous.
* GCSE level 2 (A*-C) or equivalent in mathematics and English.
* Experience with laboratory teaching or research environments; ability to participate in practical classes.
* Good IT skills; familiarity with Windows and/or macOS advantageous.
* Commitment to equality and diversity and ability to identify and respond to related issues.
* Ability to manage own workload after consultation with manager; able to work flexibly to meet deadlines.
* Familiarity with safe handling and storage of laboratory materials.
Dimensions
No direct line management responsibility and no budget to manage.
Planning and Organising
Ability to schedule and organise own work within department priorities.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Deliver a level of service to colleagues, students and customers; resolve equipment or experiment issues for student classes.
Internal and External Relationships
Primarily advising and supporting students and staff.
How to Apply/Enquiries
Informal enquiries to Mark Carter, m.carter@bham.ac.uk. View staff values and behaviours on the university website.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We are dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive workplace and sustainable university.
We believe there is no such thing as a “typical” member of University of Birmingham staff.
Standalone Job Details
* Seniority level: Entry level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Education and Training
* Industries: Higher Education
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