Job description
This post will provide technical support departments between 2 Schools in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, co-located at the Guy’s Campus,  
 
The Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics has a long history of research strength in structural biology, including X-ray crystallography, NMR and other biophysical techniques (SPR, ITC, SEC-MALS etc.), and most recently cryo-EM.  The post holder will join and support this community of structural biologists, which encompasses researchers from other Schools and Faculties within King’s, and includes staff, post-doctoral fellows, PhD and project students. In addition, the post holder will interact with the cell and molecular biologists of the Randall Centre and Comprehensive Cancer Centre supporting  the  users of other shared equipment.    
 
The Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC) forms part of the School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences whose mission is improving patient response through fundamental science discovery. The CCC is the academic arm of one of the leading cancer centres in Europe, which brings together world-class clinical services, research and education.  The Centre has identified research priorities working at the clinical / non-clinical interface and across multiple disciplines, such as genomics, imaging and biology, that will provide solutions for patient care.  
 
The post holder will join the Centres’ professional services support team. They will provide high quality technical support to the research staff and students based on the 2nd and 3rd floor of New Hunt’s House  A principal part of the role will be to support  the X-ray lab facility, which includes robotic crystallisation and data collection equipment, as well as oversee all shared equipment. They will act as the main contact for engineers to ensure maintenance is conducting with minimum downtime to the researchers. The post holder will also be expected to help with the overall management of equipment including training, risk assessment, cost recovery and replacement/planning for new technologies. 
 
The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, planning and organisational skills and they will be expected to build relationships with a wide set of stakeholders to help support the equipment and infrastructure.  
 
The post would suit someone who has a background in biomedical research, structural biology or physics and an interest in pursuing a career in technical management. 
 
This post will be offered on an indefinite contract. 
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• The post holder is a member of the School’s professional services team, providing high quality technical support to the School and specific support to its education/ research activities. Working closely with their line manager(s) and lead academic, the post holder will:  
• Provide in-depth knowledge of technical or scientific practices, methods and procedures gained through experience and/or formal qualification  
• Be responsible for the delivery and day-to-day management of a range of technical facilities and activities, using knowledge derived from various sources of diverse complexity, ensuring an efficient use of resources 
• Manage/ supervise the installation, monitoring and maintenance of equipment, systems and software, with control over small budgets, stocks/stores equipment and supplies    
• Be responsible for the compliance with Health & Safety and other relevant regulations, guidance and legislation governing area of work and responsibility, monitoring safe working practice, completing risk assessments and adapting the working environment to reduce the level of hazard  
• Communicate, both orally and in writing, complex information in a clear and precise fashion, synthesising and presenting complex information in a clear and precise manner  
• Use well-developed analytical skills to identify trends and patterns, using appropriate techniques and procedures to do this, to inform timely and considered decisions  
• Problem solve using a systematic and timely approach, making decisions independently, using agreed guidelines, that have an impact of up to a year and occasionally being required to resolve predictable, longer term problems 
• Manage own workload, pattern of work and resources, and manage/supervise a small team, advising and providing feedback and identifying training and development needs 
• Be responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided and resolving problems as they arise 
• Forge relationships with colleagues in the university and external to the university, in order to build relationships, disseminate information, coordinate and deliver the required support  
• Provide advice/ guidance and, where appropriate, training to colleagues on techniques, university policies, processes and, where required, source information and support for colleagues to facilitate their work 
• Facilitate an inclusive culture and ethos across the School teams, ensuring that Professional Services staff work in partnership with academic staff in departments/ centres/ institutes and Professional Services colleagues in the Faculty team and functional networks 
• Create an ethos of collaboration and collegiality, establishing effective communications and relationships, and encouraging staff to work in partnership with colleagues across the university, to eliminate potential barriers, enhance collegiality and develop best practice through actively contributing to King’s initiatives, including professional networks and working   
• Participate in cross-School/ Faculty/ university projects and initiatives for up to 10% FTE 
• Engage actively in Continuing Professional Development and training initiatives, in line with the Technician Commitment and Research Concordat for a minimum of 10 days pro rata per year 

The post holder will report to {Mrs Sarah Meredith (School Technical Manager
 
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  
 
Skills, knowledge, and experience 
 
Essential criteria 
 
1.       Minimum level 4 qualification, e.g. higher apprenticeship, HNC or other Level 4 award, plus work experience in a relevant technical/scientific post OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in a relevant technical or scientific post 
2.       Evidence of an active commitment to career development including professional registration, such as RSci, or working towards CSci 
3.       Have extensive technical experience with an in-depth knowledge of a range of technical or scientific practices, methods and procedures applicable to the work area, underpinned by a good understanding of relevant technical/scientific theory 
4.       Full working knowledge of Health & Safety regulations governing area of work 
5.       Solutions-focused self-starter, with excellent planning and organisational skills, an ability to manage competing priorities and who can work with minimal supervision 
6.       Good communication, orally and in writing, along with strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills 
7.       Good computer skills including Microsoft Office packages 
8.       A broad understanding of effective approaches to train and teach individuals in methodologies and techniques 
9.       Proactive and responsive to internal contacts in immediate area and across King’s and contacts outside the university (e.g. suppliers, colleagues in other HE institutions) in order to build relationships 
10.   A commitment to an excellent student experience and concern for staff and student wellbeing, along with a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 
11.   Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required 
12.   Knowledge of techniques and equipment associated with research in cell or molecular biophysics and/or structural biology   
 
Desirable criteria 
 
1.       Ability to supervise/advise junior team members and give feedback on performance levels, providing training/coaching where necessary  
2.       Experience of using or managing equipment used in the fields of cell or molecular biophysics, and/or structural biology, including X-ray crystallography {Job-specific criterion} 
3.       Experience of interacting with suppliers and engineers regarding equipment maintenance.  
4.       Understanding of radiation and laser safety regulations 
 
 
Further information
Selection process to include a Panel Interview 
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.