POSITION DETAILS:

Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary £20,494 per annum rising to £25,618 after 12 months service.
Apprentice Grade 3
Full Time / Fixed Term for 19 or 25 months dependent on current qualifications
Apprenticeship Standard: Laboratory Technician – Level 3
Training Provider: CSR
Closing date: 30 July - please upload a CV with your application.
Eligibility: The training delivered in apprenticeships is funded through the apprenticeship levy which is subject to Department for Education funding rules for apprenticeships. When reviewing applications the University and the training provider will be checking candidates meet this eligibility criteria . Further information is available on our webpage .
You have normally been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years. For exemptions please refer to the government funding rules for apprenticeships.

APPRENTICESHIP SUMMARY

The apprentice will learn to ultimately be able to provide skilled technical support over the full range of activities supported under the Preparation manager.
The apprentice will provide additional support for Outreach events, open day, applicant visit day events as well as for external courses hosted within the teaching facilities or hosted technical academy events.
The post holder would be expected at times to operate outside of the standard working hours during term time due to the timetable driven nature of the post (with Time Off In Lieu) and help to ensure that local and University Health & Safety policies are enforced within the laboratories.
In order to flexibly use resource you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 GCSEs (A*- C / 4-9 or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and preferably a Science.
• Previous experience of laboratory activities (biology, chemistry, physics) from school or further education.
• A keen interest in science
• An enthusiastic, flexible and keen learner who is reliable and dedicated to an apprenticeship.
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own work load after consultation with supervisor and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to learn and understand how diversity considerations affect own area.
• Basic understating of commonly used software packages.
• An enquiring mind with an aptitude to solve mechanical problems.

DURING THIS APPRENTICESHIP YOU WILL LEARN THE FOLLOWING DUTIES:

• Provide general teaching laboratory support including the setting up and clearing away of equipment, consumables and reagents;
• Prepare materials and reagents (e.g. stock solutions, agar plates etc.). This will require the accurate use of measuring devices such as balances and pH meter and sterilisation equipment such as serialisation ovens and autoclaves;
• Assist in the preparation of more complex reagents and biological materials;
• Recording and signing out materials and equipment for student loan.
• To be responsible for ensuring that equipment is accurately calibrated prior to classes starting and that all requirements are in place;
• To complete equipment function tests, maintenance and calibration. Equipment may include: water baths, rotary evaporators, pH meters, microscopes, data loggers, electrophoresis equipment etc.;
• To identify simple faults and troubleshoot equipment during classes;
• Setting up of IT equipment;
• Receive deliveries (equipment, consumables and hazardous substances) and delivery documentation. Ensure deliveries are safely unpacked and that hazardous substances are stored according to regulations and that temperature sensitive deliveries are stored in appropriate fridges/freezers;
• Assist with the organisation and housekeeping of storage rooms, this may involve bringing equipment required for the day’s classes to the front of the store for easy access etc.
• Carry out specified techniques, tests or experiments as directed;
• Identify simple problems and resolve and recognise when to refer issues to your manager;
• Maintain accurate records and draft routine documentation related to your duties;
• Ensure the health, safety and cleanliness of immediate work area, by encouraging staff and students to comply with all basic University / College Health & Safety policies and reporting any issues to your line manager, technical manager, laboratory manager or College Safety Advisor as appropriate;
• Confirm that all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date;
• Carry out regular maintenance processes as appropriate and ensuring records are maintained;
• Report any breaches or non-compliance with health and safety procedures to the Line Manager, Technical Manager, Laboratory Manager or College Safety Advisor;
• Ensuring waste disposal is carried out correctly for laboratory, recycled and general waste;
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures;
• Assisting with stock level control and informing Line Manager when replacements are required;
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables and chemical reagents;
• Reporting any problems with equipment or services to the line manager or colleague as appropriate;
• You will treat everyone with dignity and respect, supporting equality and valuing diversity;
• You will complete any other duties as may be reasonably required by either the Line Manager or Technical Managers.
  You will be expected to engage fully with the University of Birmingham apprenticeship scheme, attending mandatory group days and contributing to the successful promotion of the scheme by representing your department in a positive manner.

On completion of this apprenticeship or further in their career, you may be able to progress into one of the following roles:

• Specialist technician
• Technical assistant
• Teaching Laboratory Technician
• Research Laboratory Technician
• Workshop Technician
• Senior Technician
• Team leader
• Technical Support manage