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 Chemistry at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the role of Laboratory Attendant. This post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the support of internationally excellent research while allowing you an opportunity to embed your career in an exciting and progressive institution. For more information on the Department, please visit our webpages at https://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/. The University is committed to developing all of our colleagues to achieve their full potential. We promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment to ensure that all colleagues can thrive. The day-to-day role of Laboratory Attendant is primarily to remove waste from the laboratories and to carry out a range of specialist cleaning duties within the scientific environment. This includes hazardous research areas, teaching laboratories, analytical suites and technical / scientific workshops; with the requirement to wear PPE at all times. 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: Qualifications/Experience 1.Five GCSE's at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience. 2. Experience of working in a team in a housekeeping or cleaning role or having relevant qualifications for the role. 3. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines. Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 4. Good spoken and written communication skills. 5. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues. 6. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers. 7. Knowledge of health and safety issues such as COSHH, risk assessments and a basic understanding of laboratory safety. Desirable Criteria 8. Experience of cleaning and maintaining a technical and/or scientific environment. 9. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools. 10. Committed to training/continuing professional development. 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, Paul Hofmann would be happy to speak to you. (email: p.a.hofmann@durham.ac.uk, Tel: 01913342027). Typical Role Requirements Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate. Service Delivery Remove waste from the laboratories and carry out laboratory cleaning that may require specialist skills. Provide an excellent and timely service. Log, record and pass on information for use by others. Follow established procedures when carrying out your role and vary or refer to more senior colleagues when necessary. Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others. When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards. Carry out specified tasks to ensure that a research or teaching facility is safe to use. Teamwork/Liaison Help to move, set-up and maintain laboratory facilities and equipment. Help team members operate a range of standard tools and equipment. Help team members to construct and/or repair specialist equipment under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service. Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives. Help team members carry out and record annual maintenance checks and contribute towards updating risk assessments. Help carry out stock and inventory checks. Communication/Personal Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values. Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experience team members. • 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 StatementPrivacy Notices - Durham University whichprovides 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.