Laboratory Technician; Milton Keynes, ENG, GB, MKAA

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About the Role

This role is based within the School of Physical Sciences within the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The purpose of this role is to assist the Laboratory Manager and Technical Support Team with the operation and maintenance of STEM laboratories, ensuring the smooth running of research laboratories and related infrastructure within two STEM schools, and associated buildings. You will receive training in the safe use of compressed and cryogenic gases, cylinders, and systems as well as on-the-job training in vacuum systems, clean rooms and associated processes, chemical preparation and disposal, and any other relevant aspect of experimental physical science research.

Key Responsibilities

• General care and maintenance of STEM laboratories, clean rooms, laboratory accessories, laboratory infrastructure, and equipment.
• Ensuring an uninterrupted supply of laboratory gas. Checking, changing, transporting, and overseeing the delivery and collection of compressed gas cylinders for the building.
• Cleaning clean rooms and overseeing the laundering of clean room garments.
• Responsible for making and aliquoting stocks of buffers, reagents, solvents for various running projects (research and/or teaching).
• Assisting with general maintenance through the Estates Department and supervising contractors in the laboratory.
• Performing checks and servicing of vacuum pumps (training provided).
• Assisting lab users in assembly and disassembly of equipment when required, and support lab refurbishments.
• Maintaining stocks of consumables, chemicals, and gases.
• Overseeing the disposal of waste chemicals, and maintaining chemical inventory for multiple STEM schools.
• Receiving deliveries of chemicals (and their appropriate storage), other consumables, and laboratory equipment.
• Responsibility for maintaining the pure water system and changing/ordering cartridges as and when necessary.
• Advising staff and students in laboratory and clean room procedures.
• Undertaking manual handling tasks.
• Support in the delivery of Health and Safety, including helping complete laboratory inspection audit actions.
• Ensure the specialist skills are kept up to date with appropriate hands-on experience and professional development.
• Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.
• Undertake any other duties, as agreed with line manager which may be reasonably required.

About You

Essential:

• HNC/BTEC in a scientific subject or an equivalent/higher qualification (note: candidates who have completed a Level 3 NVQ Laboratory Technician Course would also be considered).
• Familiarity with the fundamental concepts of science, technology and working in STEM laboratories.
• An understanding of health and safety in a laboratory environment.
• Aptitude and willingness to set up and maintain equipment.
• Relevant technical knowledge of equipment typically used STEM laboratories.
• Proven ability to analyse problems and work creatively to develop practical solutions.
• Proven ability to work well as part of a team.
• Good organisation skills.
• Effective oral, written communication and IT skills.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable practical experience of working within a Higher Education / scientific research establishment.
• Previous experience servicing and maintaining vacuum systems and related equipment.
• Awareness of clean room procedures.
• Understanding of chemical properties, hazards, and storage requirements.
• Familiarity with relevant health and safety regulations for STEM laboratories, including understanding the principles of COSHH risk assessment creation.
• Professional registration e.g. RSciTech, RSci, or CSci.

Support with your application

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