Sessional Laboratory Technician

About the role

Buxton and Leek College was recently graded as a "Good" college by OFSTED and has a team of dedicated staff who take pride in supporting learners towards their study and career goals. Our students have access to industry standard facilities, comprehensive support services and benefit from extensive links with the University of Derby.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our small and friendly team on our journey to becoming an outstanding provider and to help shape our exciting future curriculum.

Buxton and Leek College, as part of the University of Derby are excited to welcome a Laboratory Technician to support on our brand-new Health Science T Level and a range of other programmes. We are looking to recruit a highly motivated individual with a proactive and helpful approach. This will be a diverse and rewarding role.

You will be required to provide advice, guidance, and practical support to help refurbish the Laboratory at our Buxton Campus as well as auditing our existing equipment and resources to set up a suitable learning environment across our campuses. We anticipate that this will take 10-12 days between January and April. You will be able to do this in a flexible way to maximise your work/life balance. Following that, you will support with approximately 12 practical activities throughout the year.

Experience of working in an educational environment would be desirable, however, consideration will be given to industry professionals with industry/laboratory experience who have good communication skills and are looking for part-time work. This may suit undergraduate science students who can fit this around their studies or retired professionals keen on maintaining educational links, however, we welcome all applicants with a life science background or laboratory experience.

Actual hours and days will be described in a ‘Schedule of Work’

Principal accountabilities

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Level 2 Qualifications (either in Functional Skills or GCSE A-C) in both English and maths
• L3 or higher in a life science related discipline

Experience

• Significant experience in a clinical/laboratory setting as a practitioner or student with a sound knowledge of laboratory equipment and procedures

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Highly developed communication skills
• Highly developed laboratory skills
• Ability to use own initiative
• Ability to work effectively on your own and with a small team
• Ability to collect and prepare samples, solutions, cultures and specimens and ensuring safe disposals of waste
• Ability to set up, test, adjust, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus such as titrators, pH meters and centrifuges
• Ability to perform routine laboratory functions to set up and support scientific experiments and investigations
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations related to laboratory practice and settings
• Well-developed administrative and organisational skills
• Ability to work flexibly within a team
• Good time management skills

Business requirements

• A commitment to the principle of widening participation
• A commitment to continued professional development
• A commitment to the College’s values and behaviours
• A willingness to work across college sites
• Actual hours and days will be described in a ‘Schedule of Work’

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

• Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
• Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Undergraduate degree in a life science field

Experience

• Experience of delivering lab technician support in an educational setting
• Practical experience of promoting equality and diversity

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Knowledge of the latest relevant scientific developments that can improve the efficiency of lab operations
• A knowledge of appropriate progression routes for students

Benefits

As well as competitive pay scales, we offer generous holiday entitlement. We also offer opportunities for further salary progression based on performance, and the opportunity to join a contributory pension scheme.