Department of Physics

Grade 2: - £17,361 - £17,682 per annum
Apprentice - Full Time
Contract Duration: 3 years
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 17-Jul-2021, 6:59:00 AM 

The Department and role purpose

The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the very best UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. Ranked in the top 10 in REF2014 in terms of grade point average, 96% of Durham Physics research was considered either to be of “internationally excellent quality” or “world leading”.

The post holder will be responsible for learning and assisting the day-to-day technical functions and operations in the Physics Department, providing technical and engineering related assistance from within the Teaching and Research Technical Services team.

The post holder will be required to undertake formal training within the Department in a variety of Research and Teaching Laboratories and also the Mechanical and Electronic workshops in order to provide technical assistance to support all teaching and research activities conducted within the Department of Physics.

In addition, the post holder will be required to follow an approved apprenticeship training framework of either an electronic or mechanical engineering bias delivered by an external provider.

Core responsibilities:

• Contribute input within a service team to provide a responsive service for stakeholders.
• Contribute input to deliver a stakeholder-focussed service.
• Respond to straightforward requests for information from stakeholders.
• Contribute to team effort with more straightforward tasks during peak work flows.
• Follow documented service procedures, referring to more experienced colleagues with less straightforward issues.
• Demonstrate some pre-employment familiarity with the techniques, and processes used in the service area.
• Learn new skills and techniques on the job working alongside more experienced team members.
• Learn about the hazards and risks within own area of work and report incidents in accordance with recognised procedures and protocols.
• Communicate with supervisor, team members, other staff, students and visitors in person or using electronic tools and applications.

Role responsibilities:

• Assist team members to complete tasks to meet learning, teaching and/or research objectives.
• Assist team members to prepare, set-up, and dismantle specialist equipment, tools and facilities under supervision.
• Use a range of manual, electronic and specialist tools and equipment to deliver services under supervision.
• Assist team members to complete work and report incidents in accordance with risk assessments specific to tasks and environments.
• Clean and maintain straightforward investigative, analytical and sensing, mechanical and digital equipment under supervision.
• Assist team members to monitor and replenish stock levels of resources.
• Carry out a range of tasks that require a more than standard level of physical, manual and sensory dexterity, following training, for short periods of time.
• Wear and use protective equipment and clothing to carry out tasks on a day to day basis.
• Gather and/or record data on standard systems in accordance with protocols and procedures.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Recruiting to this post

In order to be considered for interview, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below (including those listed in the section ‘Realising Your Potential Approach’). 

In some cases, the recruiting panel may also consider the desirable criteria, so we recommend you evidence all criteria in your application. 

Please note that some criteria will only be considered at interview stage.

How to apply

We prefer to receive applications online.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.dur.ac.uk/ig/dp/privacy/pnjobapplicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

What you are required to submit

1. A CV;
2. A covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above;
3. The person specification and Realising Your Potential Approach grids.  

Please copy and paste the grids from this job description into a separate Microsoft Word document, complete the evidence columns and submit this alongside your other application material.

Please ensure that you submit all documentation listed above or your application cannot proceed to the next stage.

Contact details

For further information, please contact;

Wayne Dobby - Technical Services & Facilities Manager

Department of Physics, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE

E-Mail: wayne.dobby@durham.ac.uk  Tel:+44 (0) 01913343679

Person specification - skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience required

Essential:

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Basic IT skills including Microsoft Office.
• Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills
• Evidence of personal development to maintain skills
• Ability to follow instructions, written or oral, accurately.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a team
• Experience of managing time in order to meet deadlines
• Health and safety compliance knowledge.
• Experience of working in a customer focused technical service
• Familiarity with scientific, technical and creative equipment.

Realising Your Potential Approach

WORKING TOGETHER - Working co-operatively with others in order to achieve objectives. Applying a wide range of comprehensive understanding of role within team

DBS Requirement: Not Applicable.