Job Description
Job title:
Department/School:
Grade:
Reporting to:
Location:
Experimental Officer
Department of Psychology
7
Head of Department
University of Bath premises
Job purpose
To support staff and students in undertaking psychology research and to provide
technical support for teaching and research activities associated with psychology.
To manage the usage of the Psychology Research Hub, including booking and
participant recruitment and participant databases. To support research-based events,
such as visiting researchers, workshops, conferences and open days.
To be responsible for Health and Safety of the Psychology Research Hub and its
users and will ensure. To ensure Standard Operating Procedures remain up-to-date
and comply with appropriate health and safety requirements. To carry out Risk
Assessments and take corrective action where necessary.
To oversee the maintenance of the Psychology Research Hub facilities and supplies
(e.g., consumables), including equipment maintenance schedules.
To supervise Technical staff and student support staff.
Source and nature of management provided
Direct Line Management will be provided by the Head of Department.
Staff management responsibility
Technicians.
Special conditions
The work may require some limited work outside the normal working pattern like early
mornings, late evenings or weekends (e.g. supporting workshops or open days).
Main duties and responsibilities
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, particularly throughout the academic year.
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To be responsible for the efficient and safe running of the Psychology Research
Hub laboratories (10West, Levels 0&1), including Health and Safety protocols.
To oversee the development, programming and use of specialised equipment,
software or processes in research and teaching. For example, EEG/ERP, Virtual
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Main duties and responsibilities
Reality, motion capture, eye tracking, biopacs, observation and recording
equipment, human-technology interaction, E-Prime, Qualtrics.
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To co-ordinate the maintaining, upgrading, optimising and integrating of laboratory
equipment.
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To be responsible for ongoing review of standard operating procedures and
collating and reviewing risk assessments within the Psychology Research Hub.
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To implement the design/setting up of web based questionnaires to facilitate on-line
research.
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To manage the department’s participation pool and oversee the testing of
participants as part of on-going research or teaching within the department.
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To manage the development of systems and oversee the maintenance of records of
laboratory and equipment bookings, and equipment maintenance.
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To ensure appropriate disposal of hazardous waste.
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To be responsible for and develop participant databases (including the RPS)
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To keep up to date with new technologies that support research and teaching.
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To liaise with the University computer services, IT purchasing and other relevant
groups and individuals across the University, sitting on relevant committees.
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To undertake any other tasks that may reasonably be requested by the Head of
Department.
13 To maintain records of samples which fall under the Human Tissue Act.
In performance of all these duties there is a need for discretion and confidentiality, as well
as a need to be able to establish effective working relationships with other members of the
University; and to present a positive image of the University to outside organisations and
their representatives.
As the Department of Psychology grows there will inevitably be changes in the way it
operates. It may therefore be necessary to review duties and responsibilities as they arise
within the technical support pool. It is hoped that this will provide staff with a positive
opportunity for personal development and progression and therefore a flexible approach is
essential.
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Person Specification
Criteria
Qualifications
A PhD in Psychology or in subject area of direct relevance
Essential
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Post doctoral experience or appropriate training/qualifications
in relevant technical areas
Experience/Knowledge
Experience of working in Psychology or a relevant scientific
environment
A clear understanding of Psychology teaching and research
laboratory issues/considerations
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Knowledge of British Psychological Society (BPS) guidance
and procedures for human research
Experience in providing technical support to undergraduate
and/or postgraduate levels.
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Knowledge of current health and safety regulations
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Experience of developing and implementing systems and
processes
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Experience of managing and developing a technical team
Skills
Ability to use and maintain specialist psychology equipment
(such as EEG/ERP, Virtual Reality, motion capture, eye
tracking, biopacs OR audio-visual observation/ editing suites,
experiment generators, online experiments)
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Ability to understand and capture psychological data
Conduct psychological analyses
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Proficiency in IT skills
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Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills
Proficiency in experimental techniques
Desirable
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Good problem solving skills
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Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team through change
Attributes
Self-motivated and able to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines
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Approachable and a team player
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Tenacity – working to achieve own and team objectives and
overcome obstacles
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Commitment to working within University procedures
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Commitment to safe working practices
Commitment to working within professional and ethical codes
of conduct