Post Details Last Updated: 15/05/015 Faculty/Administrative/Service Department Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences Job Title Job Family Responsible to Responsible for (Staff) Research Laboratory Manager Technical & Experimental Job Level 4 Technical Services Manager Senior Laboratory Technicians Job Purpose Statement The post holder is responsible for managing the research laboratories to ensure their safe, efficient running in one of the key School of Biosciences and Medicine Departments: Microbial Sciences, Nutritional Sciences, Biochemical Sciences or Clinical and Experimental Medicine. The post holder will participate in the research activities of the staff and students; guide postgraduate researchers (PGR), undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) taught students in good laboratory and technical practice; support and develop relevant infrastructure and perform/support research under the direction of relevant staff. The post holder will therefore be responsible for the smooth operation of the Faculty research laboratories ensuring that appropriately skilled technicians are in place at the right time to ensure research is supported in a best practice model and Health and Safety regulations are complied with. Key Responsibilities This document is not designed to be a list of all tasks undertaken but an outline record of the main responsibilities (5 to 8 maximum) 1. Provide technical training support for PGR research students and UG/PG taught students undertaking research projects within the laboratory. This support to include: technical advice, experimental design, training and assistance to staff and research students in the application of techniques and use of laboratory equipment.. Set up of experimental systems and research apparatus, including the development of new research protocols and trialling new consumables to meet research needs. 3. Keep up-to-date with advancements in the field and undertake CPD activity to ensure the School is able to make use of cutting edge protocols and techniques. 4. Work with the Head of School, Heads of Department and Section Leads to make recommendations for the purchase of new research equipment to ensure that the laboratories are up-to-date and offering the best service 5. Coordinate the testing, repair and maintenance of scientific equipment within the Department laboratories. This will involve liaison with the external suppliers and research groups to limit downtime of essential facilities. 6. Implement Health & Safety policies in the research laboratories; writing SOPs, lab inductions, inventories, equipment records, lab inspections & assisting lab users with documentation (Risk Assessment, CoSHH, etc). 7. Work on research programmes in progress in the lab and contribute to the design of new ones. These activities will involve making contribution towards writing relevant research papers and grant applications in collaboration with academic staff. 8. Work closely with the Faculty Health & Safety team to establish/maintain safe working practices in the research labs, contributing positively towards the adoption of best practice models and the growth of the health and safety culture. N.B. The above list is not exhaustive.
All staff are expected to: Positively support equality of opportunity and equity of treatment to colleagues and students in accordance with the University of Surrey Equal Opportunities Policy. Work to achieve the aims of our Environmental Policy and promote awareness to colleagues and students. Follow University/departmental policies and working practices in ensuring that no breaches of information security result from their actions. Ensure they are aware of and abide by all relevant University Regulations and Policies relevant to the role. Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager. Work supportively with colleagues, operating in a collegiate manner at all times. Help maintain a safe working environment by: Attending training in Health and Safety requirements as necessary, both on appointment and as changes in duties and techniques demand. Following local codes of safe working practices and the University of Surrey Health and Safety Policy. Elements of the Role This section outlines some of the key elements of the role, which allow this role to be evaluated within the University s structure. It provides an overview of what is expected from the post holder in the day-to-day operation of the role. Planning and Organising Responsible for a team of technical staff, the post holder will have to prioritise and manage the workload of other members of team and should address any identified training requirements. The post holder will work without close line management supervision, but will operate with some direction and guidance in terms of the nature of work allocated from academics and the Technical Services Manager. The post holder will be expected to implement a dynamic approach to problem solving to achieve the most expeditious solutions. The post holder will have the freedom to work in a proactive manner and will decide how to achieve the end result, generally based on their judgement, technical expertise and prior experience. The post holder is expected to work closely with the Teaching Laboratory Manager so they can plan and organise the provision of staff cover when required. Problem Solving and Decision Making The post holder will lead on providing advice and solutions for routine day-to-day problems in their specialist technical area. The appropriate course of action will usually be a matter of choice, influenced by the application of established procedures and precedents and their previous experience and exposure to similar problems. They are required to provide advice to users of the laboratories on routine issues within the context of the role, exercising initiative and judgement gained through prior experience and knowledge. The post holder is expected to execute complex quantitative and qualitative procedures, analyse the findings and to apply their knowledge and expertise to interpret the results from these. The post holder will work without close line management supervision, but will operate with some direction and guidance in terms of the nature of work allocated. The post holder will have the freedom to work in a proactive manner and will decide how to achieve the end result, generally based on their judgement, technical expertise and prior experience. The post holder is also required to provide a troubleshooting service to students, with regards to any experimental problems/issues they face. Problem solving and decision making are therefore integral to many elements of the work undertaken by the post holder. It is expected that the post holder will apply their skills and knowledge in order to make recommendations for improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided. Errors in judgement or failure to carry out a particular task could result in damaging equipment or risking student and staff personal safety. Continuous Improvement The post holder is expected to maintain knowledge of new developments in the field and advise key staff on the need to update/change the facilities, implementing them under the approval of the Technical Services Manager who holds ultimate budgetary responsibility. They are also expected to assist in the preparation of bids and other documentation related to the facilities. In order to maintain the necessary level of expert knowledge of the instrumentation, the post holder will be expected to ensure their training is kept current. Accountability The post holder is responsible for the safety and security of the laboratory space and equipment. This includes monitoring and maintaining a safe working environment within the laboratories,
ensuring that the environment and equipment meets Health and Safety requirements and that any procedures, including waste disposal, are carried out in compliance with their associated regulations. The post-holder will work largely independently, with some guidance from the Technical Services Manager. They are expected to exercise discretion and judgement when addressing and resolving daily problems or issues on a wide range of routine matters. During their day-to-day activities, the post holder is expected to apply an in-depth knowledge of the instrumentation within the laboratories and its applications, and to provide technical support, advice and solutions (within their specialist technical area) to staff, students and clients. The post holder is expected to respond confidently and in a timely manner to problems/issues such as equipment malfunction and prioritisation. They are expected to apply well-established processes and procedures and technical and working knowledge to assist students in the design and preparation of experiments, oversee and supervise technical staff on the maintenance of equipment and the safe operation of systems. Dimensions of the role The post holder will be required to use their professional expertise and experience to establish processes, procedures and quality standards, drawing up appropriate frameworks and defining staffing requirements for laboratories within the School of Biosciences and Medicine, under the guidance of the Technical Services Manager. The post holder will be required to contribute towards establishing a strong team of technical staff to provide frontline technical support for student research projects, and themselves play an active role in supporting academics with research activities. The post holder will assist undergraduate and postgraduate students with experimental design, research projects and troubleshooting procedures and will work alongside academic staff with regard to the running and development of student research projects. The post holder will manage a small budget with guidance from the Technical Services Manager. The post holder will also be responsible for suggesting economical improvements to the Technical Services Manager, and managing the technical team in the most cost-effective way. The 7 roles will be assigned to specific area as follows and will be required to cover elements of the Faculty Technical areas including: Post 1 Diabetes, Stable Isotopes, Oncology & Leggett Building laboratories Post Nutrition laboratories, Metabolomics facility, Gas/CO Post 3 Biochemistry laboratories including, but not limited to AY0, 33AY04, and 35AY04, Bioimaging, Radiation Protection Support, RO & Ultrapure Water Systems Post 4 Biochemistry laboratories including, but not limited to, 05AY04 and 11/1AW00, Cell Physiology, Radiation Protection Support, and Lead for controlled Drugs Post 5 Microbial Sciences laboratories including, but not limited to, 06AX0 and 05AW00, Radiation Protection Supervisory responsibilities, Post 6 Microbial Sciences laboratories including, but not limited to, 3AX0, Chemostat, LN, RO & Ultrapure Water Systems Post 7 Microbial Sciences laboratories including, but not limited to, 30AX0 & 06AW01, Study Design for NGS Library and QPCR & Bioanalyzer, Nanodrop. Supplementary Information The post holder will work under the management of the Technical Services Manager and will liaise and interact with other technical staff to deliver the post goals. They will work alongside academic
staff with regard to the running of undergraduate and postgraduate research laboratories using the relevant equipment. As directed by the Technical Services Manager, provide cover for other areas within the Technical Support Team on a temporary basis if necessary to meet the business needs. Person Specification This section describes the sum total of knowledge, experience & competence required by the post holder that is necessary for standard acceptable performance in carrying out this role. Qualifications and Professional Memberships Degree, HND, NVQ 4 qualified or equivalent qualification, plus several years relevant experience Or Significant vocational experience, demonstrating development through the acquisition of appropriate professional or specialist knowledge and involvement in a series of progressively more demanding relevant work/roles Post graduate qualification in a related discipline E D Technical Competencies (Experience and Knowledge) This section contains the level of competency required to carry out the role (please refer to the Competency Framework for clarification where needed and the Job Matching Guidance). Essential/ Desirable Level 1-3 Solid relevant technical knowledge and experience in a biomedical related field The ability to provide suitable training for staff and postgraduate students on the relevant procedures to conduct specialist experiment and the routine operation of specialist experiments Comprehensive understanding of Health and Safety Legislation and best practice E E 3 E 3 Familiarity with ACDP regulations and guidelines for biological hazards E Confident user of Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) E Experience of using Q-pulse D n/a Special Requirements: Willingness to participate in an on call rota to provide on-site attendance in case of an emergency Willingness to undertake specific Health & Safety training as per the Faculty arrangements Core Competencies This section contains the level of competency required to carry out this role. (Please refer to the competency framework for clarification where needed). n/a (not applicable) should be placed, where the competency is not a requirement of the grade. Communication Adaptability / Flexibility Customer/Client service and support Planning and Organising Continuous Improvement Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills Managing and Developing Performance Creative and Analytical Thinking Influencing, Persuasion and Negotiation Skills Strategic Thinking & Leadership Essential/ Desirable E E Level 1-3 3 3 3 1 1 This Job Purpose reflects the core activities of the post. As the Department/Faculty and the post holder develop, there will inevitably be some changes to the duties for which the post is responsible, and possibly to the emphasis of the post itself. The University expects that the post holder will recognise this and will adopt a flexible approach to work. This could include undertaking relevant training where necessary.
Should significant changes to the Job Purpose become necessary, the post holder will be consulted and the changes reflected in a revised Job Purpose. Organisational/Departmental Information & Key Relationships Background Information The Faculty is the second largest in the University, with 000 full-time and nearly 000 part-time students. In 014 the University has risen substantially in the league tables, moving to 6th in the Guardian league table and 1th in the Complete University Guide. Within the faculty, the Guardian ranks us 13th for nursing programmes and 13 th for Biosciences. The Times Good University Guide ranks us nd in the country for Food Science and 13 th for our Nursing courses. The University has also risen to 9th in the National Student Survey (NSS). As well as expertise in learning and teaching in Biosciences and Health Sciences, our faculty is also widely recognised for world-class research. In the latest UK research excellence framework (REF 014) we were rated one of the top eight UK institutions for biosciences, health and veterinary research. Our research has led to improved understanding and treatment of diabetes, cancer, addiction, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. In addition, we have world-leading research in sleep and chronobiology and systems biology Relationships Internal The post holder can expect to work closely with the Head of the School of Biosciences and Medicine, Heads of Department, Section Leads and the Associate Dean (Research & Enterprise). Regarding the provision of space within the laboratory, liaison with the Faculty Facilities Manager is expected. The post holder will work with other members of academic staff to ensure that the technical facilities within the School are properly established, and in due course with students. Close liaison with the University Health and Safety Department is essential to ensure the technical team is adhering to best practice and current legislation. The post holder has line management responsibility for Senior Lab Technicians and is therefore, involved in all aspects of management, including training and completing staff appraisals. Estates and Facilities to report faults and overseeing their work within restricted areas. To discuss waste disposal (hazardous chemicals and surplus equipment) Health & Safety Office External The post holder will be required to liaise with external bodies and organisations in connection with health & safety matters and the disposal of hazardous waste and equipment. There is a necessity within the post to interact with the manufacturers for routine servicing and new updates to the equipment and in terms of the hardware and software and negotiation of service contracts.