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Job Description
Faculty:
Science and Engineering
Department:
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Section/Unit:
Clinical Skills Laboratory
Location:
Huxley
Job title:
Principal Technician
Post number:
SP6032
Grade:
5
Responsible to:
Technical Manager- Chemical and physical Sciences
Main areas of responsibility
1.
To prepare laboratories, materials and apparatus for undergraduate
classes to agreed standards and deadlines. To ensure basic care,
maintenance and security of laboratories, fittings and equipment and
compliance with the School Safety Manual for laboratory activities.
2.
To prepare, operate, maintain and instruct in the use of laboratory
instruments and assist with the supervision of undergraduate
laboratory projects.
3.
To provide training and supervision to technical staff working in
Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical chemistry/Chemistry laboratories.
4.
To contribute to the research effort of the school.
5.
To perform general duties as directed and assist elsewhere in the
school, covering absence and at times of increased workload.
Specific duties:
1.
To prepare laboratories, materials and apparatus for
undergraduate classes to agreed standards and deadlines. To
ensure basic care, maintenance and security of laboratories,
1.1
fittings and equipment and compliance with the School Safety
Manual for laboratory activities.
To prepare laboratories, materials and apparatus for undergraduate
classes.
1.2
To set out laboratories with equipment and materials referring to
preparation schedules developing and amending such schedules as
necessary.
1.3
To prepare chemical solutions.
1.4
To maintain the laboratories in a clean and tidy condition.
1.5
To ensure apparatus, equipment and specialised glassware receive
appropriate decontamination/disposal treatment as necessary, and
arrange secure, safe storage.
1.6
To notify the Estate and Facilities Management department of defects
to fabric, furnishings and services.
1.7
To follow all necessary safety procedures according to the School
Safety Manual.
1.8
To contribute with the writing of Standard Operating Procedures and
COSHH assessments.
1.9
To carry out electrical safety testing and update safety records,
inventory and chemical stocks on database.
1.10
To supervise and deploy technical and laboratory cleaning staff
ensuring smooth running of the section in accordance with timetable
and project commitments to agreed standards and deadlines.
To be responsible for specialised pharmaceutical equipment and
laboratory maintenance.
1.11
To perform expert assistance to academic and research staff with
pharmaceutics specialised equipment including expert assistance with
teaching theory, interpretation of complex scientific data and designing
new teaching materials.
1.12
To prepare materials, equipment and chemicals for specific laboratory
classes.
1.13
To write COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
assessments and SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).
2.
To prepare, operate, maintain and instruct in the use of
laboratory instruments and assist with the supervision of
undergraduate laboratory projects.
2.1
To prepare instruments, test and calibrate ready for use.
2.2
To operate instruments and associated computer software and
demonstrate techniques and use, as appropriate.
2.3
To clean and undertake basic maintenance of instruments.
2.4
To test performance, calibrate and arrange service to maintain
maximum standards and operation of instruments/equipment.
2.5
In collaboration with the academic supervisor, to advise on the design
of experiments and investigations, on the interpretation of their results
and on the choice of methods and techniques.
3
To provide training and supervision to technical staff working in
Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical chemistry/Chemistry
laboratories.
3.1
To train, manage and supervise technical and research staff,
volunteers and work experience students in the use of specialised
pharmaceutical equipment.
3.2
To train, manage and supervise technical and research staff,
volunteers and work experience students in good laboratory practice
procedures.
3.3
To provide expert assistance with instrumentation, experimental
design and passing on theoretical knowledge.
3.4
To train visiting researchers, other research and technical staff in wide
range of techniques used for pre-formulation, formulation of
pharmaceutics and their characterisation which are essential to build a
base for the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences teaching
and research.
3.5
To provide specialist supervision and development of final year
projects.
3.6
To contribute to project management and planning of contracted
works in teaching and research areas of
pharmaceutics/pharmaceutical chemistry.
4.
To contribute to the research effort of the school.
4.1
To carry out investigations on a research topic in conjunction with
other research groupings in the department, with the agreement of the
Technical Officer.
4.2
To participate in the reporting and presentation of findings on a
research topic, with the agreement of the Technical Officer.
4.3
To provide higher level scientific input to research and instrumentation
with in depth knowledge of analytical techniques, research planning,
record keeping and presenting outcomes.
5.
To perform general duties as directed and assist elsewhere in the
school, covering absence and at times of increased workload.
5.1
To perform stock checks of chemicals and consumables ensuring
adequate supplies and to maintain records.
5.2
To requisition apparatus, equipment, chemicals, cultures, and
materials using approved suppliers' catalogues.
5.3
In collaboration with the academic supervisor, to advise students on
the preparation/maintenance of samples and solutions.
5.4
To receive, unpack, check, record and store incoming goods.
5.5
To ensure correct labelling/storage/disposal of hazardous materials.
5.6
To obtain local purchases as required.
5.7
To perform general duties in other areas of the school at the discretion
of the Technical Officer.
Selection criteria:
The criteria below indicate the qualities that are needed to do the job
well. Candidates will be selected according to the extent to which they
satisfy these criteria. Evidence of potential will also be considered.
Most of the criteria must normally be met in order to qualify for
selection.
Essential:
Knowledge/qualifications: minimum of a BSc in chemistry or
equivalent qualification and experience of performing practical work in
an industrial or educational laboratory; able to demonstrate advanced
practical techniques to staff and students. A commitment to working
methodically and accurately within the requirements of Health and
Safety Regulations
Communication: clear, concise, accurate and appropriate written and
oral communication
Service: demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to relevant
service standards
Self motivation: meets agreed objectives on own initiative; committed
to continuous self-development
Teamwork: works co-operatively with others, meeting agreed
objectives
Organisation: has developed effective work systems and meets
agreed priorities efficiently
Response to change: contributes positively to the introduction of
change
Physical: able to undertake all the physical requirements of the job,
according to health and safety guidelines
Desirable:
Ability to use standard word processing, database and spreadsheet
software packages.
Updated 2012