Job Description
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Trainee Laboratory Technician
Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of
Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences
Laboratory Superintendant
Continuing
Specialist (Lab)
2
Trainee (Laboratory) Band 2
No
FS0193
Details Specific to the Post
Background and Context
The School of Biological, Biomedical & Environmental Sciences is recruiting record numbers
of undergraduate students and is looking to extend its technical team to meet these
demands. The School of Biological, Biomedical & Environmental Science’s research and
teaching infrastructure has had significant investment over the last few years both in
buildings and staff. A team of twenty technical staff support, service and use this
infrastructure. We are seeking to recruit a trainee technician to deliver technical services in
the school as part of this team. This may involve early starts and late finishes.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post
The role holder will work as a trainee laboratory technician, with a training programme
provided to give experience in a variety of laboratory environments.
This will include the:
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Preparation of material in advance of undergraduate practical classes,
The setting up and removal of equipment in the teaching laboratories before and
after each practical,
The washing up and disposal of waste generated during practical classes,
Learning how to carry out technical repairs on equipment,
Gaining an understanding of Health & Safety requirements.
Learning new methods specifically used within our research laboratories
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GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION
The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature
of the role. The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role
may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or
due to changing needs in the department. Candidates should note that there may not be an
immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.
Overall Purpose of the Role
The role holder:
 Work as part of a team to provide basic laboratory provision to staff and students.
 Be familiar with and understand effective working procedures.
 Work under direct supervision. The work carried out is of a routine nature.
Main Work Activities
Communication
 Receive clear and concise instructions to demonstrating the use of scientific
equipment/instrumentation to undergraduates/postgraduates
 Communicate with other members of the staff about technical/scientific matters
 Communicate with companies about ordering information (price, quantity and
catalogue number etc)
Teamwork
 Under the guidance of a team leader, where necessary provide day-to-day support to
other members of staff and members of staff new to the work area.
Service Delivery
 Be trained to demonstrate and use a wide range of scientific instrumentation and
equipment to undergraduate/ postgraduate students to include:
 UV/Vis Spectrometer
 Fluorescence Spectrometer
 Calibration of a pH meter (being able to assemble a distillation rig)
 Titrating,
 Sample preparation
 Making a chemical of a known concentration volumetrically
 Deal with chemical waste using departmental procedures
 Prepare teaching areas, i.e. setting up of equipment, making up of reagents
Planning and Organisation
 Will receive the relevant training to organise laboratory classes which may include:
o How many students
o Types of experiments
Analysis/Reporting
 Be trained to carry out technical repairs/alterations to scientific equipment and
instrumentation.
 Be trained to perform qualitative/quantitative scientific analysis using a range of
scientific equipment/instrumentation.
 Be trained to conduct PAT testing when required.
Additionally the post holder will be required to:
 Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety policies
and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within the department.
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May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on request e.g. Display
screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire warden
 Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices
This includes undertaking mandatory equality and diversity training
 Comply with University regulations, policies and procedures
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COMPETENCY SPECIFICATION
To fulfil your role, you will need certain knowledge, skills and competencies. The following
competency specification provides a framework within which your performance will be
assessed. The interview assessment may include, for example, testing on IT skills.
The Competencies set out below are essential and are core requirements needed to
perform the role and any candidate who fails the requirement will not be taken forward for
further assessment or to interview.
Competency
Knowledge and Experience
Has A level Biology, Advanced Level GNVQ or a BTEC
National Certificate or Diploma in which biology is a major
subject.
Identified by
Application/Interview
Communication (Oral)
Can demonstrate the ability to exchange basic information
promptly and in a courteous and effective manner to students,
colleagues, line managers and external contacts.
Application/Interview
Communication (Written)
Can demonstrate the ability to summarise information accurately,
in a well structured, clear and concise form
Application/Interview
Teamwork and Motivation
Can demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Is
willing to provide cover for colleagues and acts in a supportive
manner.
Application/Interview
Service Delivery
Has knowledge and understanding of services available to users of
this and related areas of work and ensures that the experience of
each customer is positive and satisfactory.
Application/Interview
Initiative and Problem Solving
Can demonstrate the ability to solve standard, predictable
problems in accordance with procedures and precedent.
Application/Interview
Trainee (Lab) Band 2 (Generic)
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