Technician

We are looking to appoint a technician to support the School of Infection and Immunity within the Sir Graeme Davies Building.

Please note this vacancy is open to current University of Glasgow employees only.

Job Purpose
The post holder will play a key role in ensuring the efficient operation of a designated floor within the building, providing technical support and coordinating shared resources among research groups. Additionally, the post holder will be aligned with a specific research group and may have opportunities to contribute to their research activities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Coordinate, organise and manage various aspects of lab infrastructure on a designated floor within the Sir Graeme Davies Building (SGDB):
- Assisting with inductions and training of new staff, visitors and students and provide a point of reference for any queries on the designated floor.
- Keeping up to date with and providing support and guidance to staff and students on matters relating to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Health and Safety, COSHH and other regulations relevant to the post.
- Responsibility for communal ordering if applicable.
- Support the development and maintenance of COSHH documentation, contribute to health and safety compliance, and assist in delivering routine laboratory training to ensure staff are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for safe and effective lab operations.
- In consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI) or line manager, ensure the safe and efficient operation of laboratory spaces and facilities. Responsibilities include conducting regular safety checks on critical equipment—such as fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, and other safety systems—and ensuring full compliance with University health and safety policies as well as relevant HSE regulations.
- Support Technical & Building Managers with planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedules and PAT testing and arrange ad hoc servicing/testing as needed.
- In collaboration with relevant staff, monitor, evaluate, and implement improvements to existing procedures, providing informed advice to enhance operational efficiency and compliance with best practices.
- Maintain lab equipment and diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems relating to equipment, techniques, procedures, and protocols, carrying out appropriate maintenance as required.
- Ensure proper management and disposal of laboratory waste in compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. This includes segregating hazardous and non-hazardous materials, completing associated paperwork, coordinating with certified waste disposal contractors, and promoting sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact.
- Advise, instruct, train, and provide guidance to research staff and students in the techniques and operation of equipment and apparatus as directed.
- Reporting building fabric issues for the designated floor and liaise with Estates and Buildings engineers for access arrangements.

2. Provide technical support to a designated research group:
- Provide in-depth technical support to the group, planning and organisation of day-to-day work to ensure that the experimental goals are delivered within previously agreed timescales.
- Develop, test, and construct new equipment, systems and/or techniques.
- Collect, analyse, and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate research records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly. Present findings accurately to research group.
- Contributing to the well-organised functioning of the laboratory and assisting the PI/line manager in maintaining the stock levels and purchasing consumables and supplies, within budget, where required.
- Assist with ensuring compliance of sample transportation and storage in line with current UK legislation.

3. Provide technical and facilities support to the Institute:
- The post holder will take on the role of fire warden for the SGDB.
- Assisting the Building and Technical Management team with facilities management within the SGDB and facilitate communication and coordination between Estates and Buildings and the lab users.
- Provide support to the Building and Technical Management team by coordinating with contractors and visiting engineers, ensuring smooth access, adherence to site protocols, and timely completion of maintenance.
- Actively collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and School working groups as required, fostering a cooperative and communicative work environment.
- Keep up to date with advancements in technology, methodology and safety, continually updating technical knowledge.

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:
- SCQF level 7 (Advanced Higher / SVQ level 3, Higher National Certificate) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
- Detailed technical knowledge in scientific area relevant to the school.
- Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation.

Desirable:
- BSc or equivalent, in molecular biology, microbiology, parasitology or a closely related discipline.
- Knowledge of Equality and Diversity policy.
- Knowledge of University of Glasgow policies and regulations.

Skills

Essential:
- Excellent organisational and time management skills and an ability to prioritise workload to meet competing demands.
- IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office programmes and relevant databases.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proven ability to interact with colleagues with tact, diplomacy and ability to be assertive.
- Numeracy and literacy skills.
- A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Use of initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team and to follow clear instructions.
- Understanding of and ability to apply relevant Health and Safety and other University policies and procedures.

Desirable:
- Proven skills in molecular microbiology techniques.
- Working knowledge of Hazard group 2 (HG2) pathogens and practices required for compliance.

Experience

Essential:
- Significant relevant experience within a research laboratory environment, including evidence of previous professional development.
- Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of staff and students.
- Theoretical and practical experience in scientific area relevant to the School.
- Experience in working with others within a laboratory context.
- Experience of working with different groups with conflicting priorities.

Desirable:
- Experience of working in a containment level 2 environment.
- Ability and experience in aseptic techniques.
- Experience in supporting the smooth running of a tissue culture room.
- Experience of working with pressure systems such as autoclaves and gas cylinders.

Terms and Conditions
This post is full time (35 hours per week) to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns. The University would consider a secondment opportunity for this post.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. Candidates must therefore have an existing right to work in the UK or be able to secure this independently prior to commencing employment.

Benefits include: 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages, flexible working, health and wellbeing support including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff.