Laboratory Technician

Welsh Language Standard:  Not Applicable

Closing Date: 29/07/2024

Weekly Working Hours:  37

Job Description: 

About the Role

Fixed Term Contract for 2 years.

Interview date: 13th and 15th August 2024

The successful applicant will be required to work on site. This is a full-time role, but part time and/or flexible working will be considered. 

The Open University is recruiting a laboratory technician to support research in the School of Physical Sciences within the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced laboratory technician to join the School of Physical Sciences within the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The purpose of this role is to assist the Laboratory Manager and Technical Support Team with the operation and maintenance of the School of Physical Science laboratories, ensuring the smooth running of research laboratories and related infrastructure within The School.

You will receive training in the safe use of compressed and cryogenic gases, cylinders, and systems as well as on-the-job training in vacuum systems, clean rooms and associated processes, chemical preparation and disposal, and any other relevant aspect of experimental physical science research.

Key Responsibilities 

1. General care and maintenance of SPS laboratories, clean rooms, laboratory accessories, laboratory infrastructure, and equipment
2. Ensuring an uninterrupted supply of laboratory gas. Checking, changing, transporting, and overseeing the delivery and collection of compressed gas cylinders
3. Cleaning clean rooms and overseeing the laundering of clean room garments
4. Assisting with general maintenance through the Estates Department and supervising contractors in the laboratory
5. Checking water deionizing equipment and changing cartridges when required
6. Performing checks and servicing of vacuum pumps (training provided)
7. Assisting lab users in assembly and disassembly of equipment when required
8. Maintaining stocks of equipment and chemicals
9. Overseeing the disposal of waste chemicals
10. Receiving deliveries of chemicals, other consumables, and laboratory equipment
11. Advising staff and students in laboratory and clean room procedures (training provided)
12. Undertaking manual handling tasks
13. To undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required

Skills and Experience

Essential Requirements

• Familiarity with the fundamental concepts of science, technology and working in STEM laboratories
• An understanding of health and safety in a laboratory environment
• Aptitude and willingness to set up and maintain equipment
• Good inter-personal skills and the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Good communications skills, both oral and written
• Good analytical skills and a high level of initiative
• Highly motivated
• Willing to learn new skills
• Practical IT experience, e.g., Microsoft Office or a similar office software suite
• A strong commitment to excellence in working with a diverse student population

To apply for this role please submit the following;

• CV
• Personal statement, up to 1,000 words, you should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the job and person specification.

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