Senior Technician

Job description

The Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine (FoLSM) has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Technician to join the Centre for Education. The post holder will have a great opportunity to be part of a team helping to deliver world class practical education and enhancing the student experience. FoLSM is an ambitious and forward-thinking Faculty, with an outstanding reputation across a range of disciplines in Life Sciences and Medicine. The post holder will be an experienced technician who will support large scale practical teaching in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team. They will have operational knowledge of support for teaching laboratories in delivering high quality and innovative teaching. 

The role is primarily but not solely based in the New Hunt’s House teaching labs on Guy’s Campus. The role holder will lead a team of three technicians. They will be responsible for compliance with health and safety regulations as well as reducing the negative environmental impacts of the laboratory.

This is a dual role where the post holder will be expected to take up a research project/non-teaching role outside of practical delivery, with the aim of enhancing the education services provided by the department.

This is an excellent opportunity to support innovation and sustainability in teaching activities, and have a significant impact on student experience and success. 

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract   

This is a full-time  post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

•       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 services, ensuring an efficient use of resources.  

•       Engage 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. 

•       Manage/ supervise the installation, maintenance and security of equipment, systems, and software, with control over stocks/stores equipment and supplies. 

•       Manage/supervise a small team, advising and providing feedback and identifying training and development needs. 

•       Manage own workload, pattern of work and resources based on an agreed work plan. Be responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided. 

•       Use a systematic and timely approach to solve problems that have a moderate impact on the service of potentially up to a year, making decisions independently using agreed guidelines. Use well-developed analytical skills to identify trends and patterns, using appropriate techniques and procedures to inform decisions. 

•       Work with colleagues and networks within and beyond King’s. Actively engage in the King’s Technical Network, to provide peer support and opportunities to share best practice. 

•       Fully engage with the Centre for Education with the aim of building a collaborative environment & improving the delivery of practical education. Forge relationships with colleagues in the university and externally, to build relationships, disseminate and get information, coordinate, and deliver the service. Provide advice/ guidance and, where appropriate, training. 

•       Communicate complex information in a clear and precise way, both orally and in writing. Adapt local procedures to improve the service to meet the needs of the users. 

•       Demonstrate leadership and innovation in the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices, recording progress through the King’s sustainability audit process and sharing good practice. Nurture and encourage sustainable practices and leadership within your team and networks. 

•       Be responsible for compliance with relevant regulations governing the service, completing risk assessments to inform actions and ensure a safe and environmentally sustainable workplace. Report accidents/ incidents and participate in accident investigations where appropriate. 

•       Facilitate an inclusive culture and ethos working with academic, research and other professional services staff and colleagues external to King’s. 

•       Participate in cross-School/ Faculty/ university projects and initiatives for up to 10% FTE. 

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 relevant technical/scientific posts OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts. 

2.       Evidence of an active commitment to career development including professional registration, such as RSci, or working towards CSci and clear progression in increasingly demanding jobs. 

3.       Extensive technical experience and knowledge of a range of scientific procedures and the underpinning scientific theory applicable to the work area and their environmental impact. 

4.       Clear spoken and written communication skills, with proficient computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills. 

5.       Proactive and responsive to contacts in the immediate area, across the wider organisation and externally (e.g., suppliers) to build relationships and networks. 

6.       Solutions-focused self-starter, with excellent planning and analytical skills, able to manage competing priorities and work with minimal supervision. 

7.       Good working knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability. 

8.       Knowledge of environmental impacts of laboratory work and an interest in reducing the negative impacts. 

Desirable criteria

1.       Experience of giving technical support in the delivery of large-scale practical classes in the health sciences or similar disciplines. 

2.       Experience working in roles covering health and safety responsibilities 

3.       Experience of supervising/advising junior team members, giving feedback on performance levels and training/coaching where necessary.