Job Description
Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) – University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Full‑time, permanent position. Grade 5.
Salary: £30,062 – £31,900 to start, with potential progression to £35,883.
Closing date: 31 May 2026.
Location
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Role Summary
You will provide expert technical support and guidance in teaching laboratories. You will not teach directly but will ensure practical classes are ready, troubleshoot equipment, maintain the laboratory environment and systems, and support staff and students as needed.
Main Duties
* Supervise the day‑to‑day activities of other technical staff if in a supervisory role.
* Provide support and guidance to staff, ensuring good working conditions and identifying training needs.
* Plan and coordinate daily classroom activities, ensuring efficient turnaround of classes.
* Research, design, trial and modify practical protocols for teaching.
* Deputise for laboratory managers when required.
* Instruct and provide high‑level technical support to students for safe handling of equipment and sample preparation.
* Prepare and maintain a range of materials and reagents for practical sessions.
* Organise and support external events such as open days and professional development sessions.
* Ensure laboratories are prepared for practical sessions and check practical layouts before classes.
* Demonstrate equipment use and advanced techniques to staff and students.
* Troubleshoot and respond to problems during practical sessions, diagnosing and resolving issues.
Health and Safety Duties
* Proactively support health and safety within the laboratory, ensuring all assessments are approved and updated.
* Demonstrate and train staff on correct equipment use.
* Maintain regular maintenance processes and records.
* Report breaches or non‑compliance with health and safety procedures to the relevant manager.
* Ensure proper waste disposal in line with university and local policy.
* Assist with first-aider training if requested.
General Administration and Organisation
* Keep accurate and up‑to‑date records of all activities.
* Proactively maintain consumable stocks and generate purchase orders using university systems.
* Ensure proper receipt, storage, and inventory of consumables, equipment, and reagents.
* Maintain the technical support based teaching laboratory website and related documentation.
* Keep PAT testing, equipment calibration, and inventory records current.
* Support carbon reduction and energy saving initiatives.
Other Duties
* Assist with training and mentoring of junior staff.
* Support equality and diversity principles, avoiding discriminatory impact or bias.
* Perform any other duties reasonably required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
* Extensive relevant workplace experience or equivalent professional qualification in an appropriate subject.
* GCSE level 2 (A*–C/4–9) or equivalent in mathematics and English.
* In‑depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
* Extensive experience of laboratory‑based work and familiarity with a wide range of equipment.
* Positive service attitude and courtesy in dealing with others.
* Strong organisational and workload management skills, with flexibility in work practices.
* Ability to work under minimal supervision as part of a team.
* Knowledge of current legislation and health and safety policies applicable to the role.
* Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
* Understanding of equality and diversity in the workplace and ability to respond to related issues.
Dimensions
Provide specialist expertise and support to a range of stakeholders. May supervise staff and be involved in budget monitoring.
Planning and Organising
Work independently on daily, weekly and monthly tasks, and on projects with medium‑to‑longer term horizons. Plan and procure resources proactively.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Research, modify and adapt protocols, and prepare teaching experiments. Uphold health and safety procedures. Identify and implement solutions autonomously while coordinating with senior staff.
Internal and External Relationships
Advise and support staff, students, and external contacts such as company representatives.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and support a diverse workforce.
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