"Laboratory Services Technician"

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Laboratory Services Technician.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of technical staff supporting the diverse research & teaching activities within the School of Natural & Environmental Sciences (SNES), through the provision of laboratory services and technical support across our campus estate.

You will provide laboratory technical support for academic and research staff and students within the School working primarily in the research areas and assisting in the teaching laboratories (when applicable) across multiple disciplines in alignment with the post holder’s experience under the direction of the Technical Operations Manager and the Technical Team Leader of the area.

Under the direction of technical management and working closely with technical colleagues, you will:

• Help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of key requirements and facilities across multiple buildings.
• Help to manage shared laboratories, growth rooms, and controlled environment areas across the SNES campus estate to allow users to work safely in a cohesive and collaborative environment.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and working safely, reporting any issues or items that need repair in a timely fashion.
• Support users by helping manage the provision of gases and cryogens including cylinder and regulator ordering; Chemical and consumable orders and store requests including licenced ethanol purchases ensuring systems are working safely and efficiently.
• Oversee laboratory waste services, including chemical waste and biological/GM autoclave waste keeping appropriate and up-to-date records for statutory inspections.
• Assist lab users with sample and package shipping including Dangerous Goods.
• Ensure the timely redistribution of chemicals, lab materials and samples across campus.
• Liaise with the University’s Sustainability Team to ensure the compliant disposal of electrical waste (WEEE) generated across SNES campus estate.

The candidate must:

• Have relevant experience working in laboratory environments with good understanding of general lab procedures and techniques.
• Be capable of training and advising lab users (where applicable) on safe techniques and work with users to ensure they are working safely and effectively.
• Be confident and competent with day-to-day management of Health and Safety and understanding of H&S policies.
• Have excellent teamwork, communication and organisational skills.
• Have good understanding of gases and gas systems.
• Be able to work autonomously, prioritise their tasks and report back to senior technical colleagues in an appropriate and timely fashion.
• Be able to respond to unknown risks in a logical and calm manner, ensuring those around are safe and risks are mitigated as best as possible.

The post is permanent, full-time.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Samuel Logan by email: samuel.logan@ncl.ac.uk.

For more information about the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, please click here.

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment.

For further details about Newcastle University please visit our information page at: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/about.