Laboratory Technician

Role Description

Department

The Department of Biology at the University of York is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic full time (37 hours a week) semester time only (34 weeks per year) technician to work in the Biology Teaching Laboratories. 

You will join a team of eight technicians responsible for providing technical and scientific support to all practical activities held within the purpose built Biology Teaching Laboratories.  This includes cell culture facilities, a fluorescent microscopy suite, technician preparation rooms and dedicated laboratories for students to carry out experimental work on their own biology related projects.    

Practical activities cover the whole spectrum of biology and are delivered to a wide range of individuals including undergraduate, medical school, primary/secondary school students and other visitors.  

The Teaching Technician will be based predominantly within the Biology Teaching Laboratories providing support throughout the facility as needed e.g Project Lab, Glass washing/Autoclaving.  

The Department of Biology is recognised as one of the leading and most accomplished departments at York, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their full potential. We take great pride in holding the Athena Swan Gold Award.

Role

Primarily working under the guidance of the Laboratory Managers you will provide daily technical support and expertise to all activities within the practical laboratories and associated facilities.

This will involve provision of materials and equipment as required for practical sessions; dealing with academic and student requests, forward planning and ordering materials; preparation and maintenance of specialist equipment; demonstrating techniques (particularly within an area of specialism); ensuring all work is carried out within health and safety guidelines; keeping accurate records and reporting problems.

The Teaching Technician will also work under the direction of senior colleagues to provide materials and equipment as required.  This will include preparing media and solutions, setting out equipment and general housekeeping duties.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• A level, HNC or equivalent experience 
• Relevant theoretical and practical knowledge within the field of biology
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and procedures e.g COSHH
• Awareness and understanding of the operation of a science laboratory
• Demonstrate practical experience gained within a relevant environment (ideally a teaching laboratory) and be able to operate standard laboratory equipment
• Ability to perform tasks to a consistently high standard with attention to detail
• Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both staff and students
• Manage your own time and effectively work to deadlines, adapting to any changes quickly and easily
• Work both independently and as part of a team. Maintain positive, open attitudes to others and support colleagues.  You should be dependable, reliable and self-motivated. 

Some flexibility is required as practical sessions are timetabled between 9am and 6pm but this information will be known in advance.  Please also note University semester time is not the same as school term time.

The post is based in the Biology Teaching Laboratories and although some demonstration of equipment and techniques is required the role is not predominantly teaching students.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Jen Dyson jen.dyson@york.ac.uk or Nicola Charlton on nicola.charlton@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.