Position Details

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to January 2026

Closing date: 9th October 2024

Background

The School of Chemistry is a vibrant and thriving academic community, with over 110 academic and research staff, 20 Professional Services staff and over 600 students. With a strong focus on its three main research themes, energy, sustainability and health, and a number of interdisciplinary interest groups, the School has ambitious plans to grow research activity; including major investment from the University for a state-of-the-art molecular sciences research building (2023/24) and a new Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (2018/19) that is revolutionising how undergraduate practical chemistry is taught. The School provides an inclusive and supportive environment where every member of staff is supported in realising their career potential.

Role summary

The post holder will be responsible for the daily management of research laboratory facilities based in the Molecular Sciences Building. The post holder will provide direct support to the research activities of the groups which will include maintaining and managing laboratory equipment, specifically spectroscopic equipment and other instrumentation used in chemical synthesis and solid-state chemistry. They will also train users and operate the instrumentation to further support the research needs of the groups where required. The post holder will also manage and support all technical aspects within the group from technical administration, ordering and safe disposal of waste and general safety within the laboratories.

The post holder will be expected to implement and monitor the compliance of health and safety, Estates and Laboratory housekeeping matters relating to the research laboratories. They will support the management of researchers by monitoring and advising where appropriate, basic housekeeping, Infrastructure and Health and Safety (H&S) matters. The post holder will be required to establish an effective working relationship with the research groups and academic staff to ensure day-to-day activities are managed in the most effective and efficient manner. They will be required to utilise University processes in relation to procurement and maintenance.

The post holder will be line managed by the School Technical Manager and provide support for and contribute to wider School/ College activities as required. Such tasks might include, but are not limited to, assistance in other laboratories and with School/ College Open days and Outreach events. They will have line management responsibilities for the Research Technician assigned to the third floor of the Molecular Science Building.

Main duties

• Provide leadership in the delivery of high-quality technical support for the research groups operating in the laboratories.
• Responsible for ensuring all items of laboratory equipment are kept in good working order and calibrated as/when required. This would include undertaking maintenance and keeping appropriate records.
• To advise, arrange, train, assist and supervise as appropriate academic and research staff and students on experimental and research techniques and technical issues.
• As required, offer advice on the purchase of new equipment, liaise with suppliers to obtain quotes and to notify the School Technical Manager of any foreseeable safety issues or that require changes to infrastructure.
• Responsible for the reporting, monitoring and resolution for any failures of the infrastructure supporting laboratories and managing/ communicating such maintenance/ installations to minimise disruption to the research.
• Maintain a record of consumables, placing orders to ensure that stock levels are maintained as appropriate and ensuring storage facilities are used effectively.
• Manage and lead on maintenance of vacuum pumps, solvent purification systems and other smaller instrumentation in the laboratories.
• Ensure that school spectroscopic equipment is maintained, including testing, calibrating, maintenance and training of new users. Maintain appropriate records and liaise with users/ PIs to ensure equitable access to the facility.
• Responsible for ensuring all research and support staff comply with basic housekeeping requirements. This would include the establishment of appropriate rotas for the upkeep of communal areas and compliance monitoring.
• Responsible for ensuring that the following safety paperwork is in place and remains up to date, being reviewed at least annually where required: Risk assessments, Standard Operating Procedures and Emergency Shutdown Notices, Student/Staff Training Records, Unattended Reaction Notifications/ Emergency contact information for all groups.
• Conduct routine checks on Engineering Controls such as Local Exhaust Ventilation systems, Glove boxes and Fume cupboards, fixed gas lines and compressed gas systems (regulators/ hoses)
• Responsible for continually monitoring compliance to all local, School and University Health and Safety, Fire Safety and laboratory housekeeping policies within the laboratories and taking any necessary action. This will include daily laboratory walkthroughs, risk assessment spot checks and regular safety inspections.
• Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
• Commitment to continued professional development e.g. to develop a working knowledge of new instrumentation and/or workflows
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) or relevant technical qualification in Chemistry and relevant experience – where no equivalent qualification is held, extensive proven practical and technical experience in a similar role will be required.
• Extensive proven practical experience of hands-on experimental work or working in a laboratory.
• Proven ability in managing research laboratory facilities and in maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly, and to analyse information and data.
• Excellent communicator with a proven ability to persuade, negotiate with and influence others.
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others. Able to act as a positive role model to others.
• Ability to organise and manage own work-load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/ requirements.
• Ability and willingness to undertake training in other activities and skills.
• Demonstrate ability to instruct and demonstrate the correct use of laboratory equipment to staff and research students.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
• Knowledge of current H+S policies and ability to uphold the same; including proven confidence to challenge inappropriate laboratory working practices.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Role context 

Roles at this at this level will require proven specialist knowledge of technical, IT or scientific practices, methods and procedures gained through either experience and/or formal qualification and this knowledge should be deployed in the provision of a range of high-level technical support activities. You will have the opportunity to exercise a high degree of personal responsibility and initiative which you will use to resolve issues; you will use your judgement to deal with unforeseen problems and circumstances, all with limited guidance/supervision.

Core competencies/transferable skills

Working at this level, you will be able to develop and successfully use the core competencies/transferable skills outlined in each of the areas shown below. As appropriate for the level, our Birmingham Professionals will take ownership for getting things done. You will be expected to be flexible as required in supporting your department and wider University.

Informal enquiries to Katherine Twiggs k.b.webb@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.