Teaching Technician

1. The School of Physics and Astronomy is seeking an experienced technician to join its teaching technician team.
2. The post holder will be responsible for a teaching laboratory under the leadership and management of the Teaching Technician Officer.
3. To provide a comprehensive provision of technical support to the School of Physics and Astronomy, Provide specialist assistance and advice regarding suitable project equipment or experimental methods to Physics and Astronomy undergraduates and MSc students.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is seeking an experienced technician to join its teaching technician team.

The post holder will be responsible for a teaching laboratory under the leadership and management of the Teaching Technician Officer. The successful candidate will form part of the team supporting the practical teaching sessions. These sessions predominantly take place in a science laboratory environment with the occasional use of a lecture/meeting rooms. Applied field trips are occasionally arranged and members of the teaching team also support those activities.

The role requires the ability to be able to provide a good level of technical expertise and practical ability, with a high level of attention to detail. Training and development will be available, assisting candidates to meet all aspects of the role. An ability to proficiently operate and repair a wide range of scientific instrumentation would be an advantage. The ideal candidate will be motivated by developing their technical skills and seeking to provide the best possible support those aspiring to become Physicists. Being a team-player, with good interpersonal, communication and customer service skills, is essential.

The post holder will work closely with the Teaching Technician Officer (Line Manager), the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the member of academic staff responsible for applied teaching and final year projects.

The position is full time (35 hours per week) at grade 4 and is open ended.

Job Purpose

To provide a comprehensive provision of technical support to the School of Physics and Astronomy, Provide specialist assistance and advice regarding suitable project equipment or experimental methods to Physics and Astronomy undergraduates and MSc students. The role holder will also be expected to assist in all areas of the School of Physics and Astronomy as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Key Duties

• Following established guidelines to train technical staff and students in technical procedures and in the use of equipment.
• Set up experimental systems and research apparatus, assisting students and staff in the use and construction of equipment and apparatus and with tests and experiments.
• Operate, maintain, service, adjust, test and repair complex equipment and apparatus.
• Participate in the development, modification and construction of special equipment and apparatus.
• Take responsibility for stock levels, security, maintenance and cleanliness of materials, apparatus and equipment within work area.
• Record and perform detailed analysis on data, including responsibility for maintaining databases.
• Undertake reviews of technical processes and procedures, in collaboration with line management, and advise on options for improvement.
• Support the department in the implementation of new procedures and systems.