Post:
Teaching Laboratory Technician (Parasitology, Microbiology and Molecular
Biology)
Summary of role:
Prepare laboratories, materials and equipment for practical teaching classes
to agreed standards and deadlines. Prepare, operate, maintain and instruct
in the use of laboratory instruments. Assist with the running of practical
classes and MSc laboratory projects. Ensure basic care, maintenance and
security of laboratories, fittings and equipment in compliance with LSTM
guidelines
Duties:
1. To prepare laboratories, materials and equipment for practical classes to
agreed standards and deadlines. To ensure basic care and maintenance of
laboratory equipment in compliance with LSTM safety guidelines
Liaise with academic colleagues about the content of practical teaching sessions
(practical classes, revision sessions and examinations)
Ensure that the necessary materials, specimens and equipment (including audio
visual aids) are available for each practical session
Ensure that appropriate laboratory supplies are available for each practical
session including consumables and Personal Protective Equipment PPE
Prepare test and calibrate teaching equipment ready for use
2. To prepare, operate, maintain and instruct in the use of laboratory
instruments and assist with the running of practical classes and MSc
laboratory projects
Demonstrate laboratory techniques to students undertaking practical classes and
MSc projects, providing technical advice where necessary and assisting in
resolving problems
Instruct students and new members of staff on how to operate teaching
equipment
Ensure that students and staff correctly use PPE and comply with LSTM and HSE
regulations whilst working in the teaching laboratories
3. To perform general laboratory duties as directed and assist elsewhere in
LSTM, covering absence and at times increased workload
Clean and undertake basic maintenance of instruments (including Microscopes,
PCs and Audio visual equipment)
Ensure that a clean, tidy and safe laboratory environment is maintained at all
times
Follow all necessary safety procedures according to LSTM guidelines
Contribute to the writing of standard operating procedures and COSHH
assessments
Assist in evaluating the quality of teaching materials and apparatus, liaising with
colleagues to repair, produce replacements or additions
Contact suppliers and order consumables within area of responsibility
Organise movement of teaching materials/equipment between laboratories as
required
Ensure removal of waste materials to their correct locations for disposal e.g.
chemical and biological waste
Carry out such other duties consistent with a technical position of this nature, as
requested
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Teaching Technician
Essential
Desirable
Education &
training
BTEC Higher Level (or equivalent) in a
science -related discipline
Educated to degree level in
Biomedical/Biological Sciences or a
related subject
Knowledge &
Experience
Biological background in a relevant
discipline, including a good understanding of
parasitology /vector biology / molecular
biology / biochemistry
Knowledge of tropical medicine
Relevant experience of working in a research
and/or teaching laboratory
Experience of developing student knowledge
and skills in the laboratory environment
Experience of using molecular biology and
immunological techniques (e.g. PCR/
Spectrophotometry / Gel electrophoresis
and understanding of the theory
underpinning such techniques
Experience in the microscopy of parasites
and vectors
Demonstrated commitment to working
methodically, accurately and safely in line
with health and safety regulations and legal
requirements, including experience of safely
handling potential hazardous materials
Skills & abilities
Able to work with limited supervision and to
exercise judgment as to when to refer
matters to senior staff
Enthusiastic approach to work
Excellent verbal and written communication
skills, with the ability to communicate at all
levels
Excellent planning and organisational skills
with meticulous attention to detail
Able to meet deadlines and prioritise own
work
Able to work as an integral and co-operative
member of a team
Knowledge of microbiology and
experience of using common hematology
and microbiology techniques (e.g. aseptic
technique; culturing organisms)
Experience of demonstrating
biochemical, immunological and
molecular techniques in a teaching
context
Experience of developing student skills in
the field
Experience of rearing insects for teaching
purposes; or willing to be trained in the
necessary techniques
Knowledge of regulations relating to the
Human Tissue Act and experience of
working with human samples
Experience
in the assessment of student
knowledge
Demonstrated commitment to learning
new skills and laboratory techniques
Able to handle confidential matters
Computer literate with good working
knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Flexible attitude to work, adaptable to
changes in working practices
Special aptitudes
Circumstances
Experience of working with culturally
diverse students
Full time
35 hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Out of hours work alternate weekends
Occasional requirement for other out of
hours working