MoSMed CDT Senior Technician

Durham University

  • Durham
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 22 days ago
The UniversityAt Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found .Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our .The Role and the DepartmentDurham Chemistry is one of the very best UK chemistry departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. Our research spans the range of organic, inorganic, physical and theoretical chemistry. The Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) is an funded joint venture between Newcastle and Durham Universities aiming to train and equip the next generation of scientists and produce cutting edge research at the interface between chemistry and medicine.Working at DurhamA competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:
  • 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year – please include or delete if not applicable.
  • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
  • Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
  • On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
  • Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
  • There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
  • The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
  • Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
  • We offer generous pension schemes.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package .Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusionOur collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.QualificationsWhat you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person SpecificationWhen you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.Your application should cover the following criteria:Essential CriteriaQualifications/Experience1. A good first degree in chemistry, biosciences or a related, relevant field.2. Experience conducting basic molecular biology laboratory research or providing significant support to research3. Experience of working cooperatively as part of a team.4. Demonstrable experience or ability to provide advice and guidance to co-workers and postgraduate students.5. Experience of implementing policies and procedures in an experimental laboratory environment.6. Extensive experience of relationship building and ability to turn opportunities into long-term knowledge exchange and collaboration.7. Extensive knowledge and experience of monitoring own activities and others to ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to.Skills / Abilities / Knowledge8. Demonstrable skills in recombinant protein expression in E. coli
9. Good spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
10. Strong digital competence across a range digital devices and apps including [digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems].
11. Committed to continuing professional development.
12. Regulatory, local and national professional knowledge and experience of compliance.
13. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
14. Professional knowledge and expertise in one or more areas of technical specialism, and the application of skills to create, build, construct and realise new and innovative resources, equipment and research outputs.
15. Demonstrable ability to deliver high precision technical skills and the operation of standard and complex scientific, technical and creative equipment.Desirable Criteria1. A Masters degree or close to completion in chemistry, biosciences or a related, relevant field.2. Demonstrable experience of contributing to academic research3. Experience in working with or supervising Masters or postgraduate students4. Experience in protein characterisation using biochemical and biophysical methods including structural techniques such as crystallisation and/or electron microscopy5. Knowledge of biochemical and/or biophysical methods to investigate protein-ligand interactions6. Skills and knowledge of protein production using bioreactors and/or higher expression systemsHow to applyTo progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.Submitting your applicationWe prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emailsWhat you are required to submit:
  • A CV
  • A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
Contact detailsIf you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, please contact Ehmke Pohl: ehmke.pohl@durham.ac.ukTypical Role RequirementsService Delivery
  • Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
  • Ensure that the University’s procedures and values are always reflected in all aspects of the service and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.
  • Provide specialist advice and make decisions to resolve problems relating to the services you are responsible for example protein production and /or macromolecular interactions.
  • Share technical knowledge and expertise to support other team members.
  • Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role such as [example] and make recommendations based on your findings.
  • Provide the best possible service to the MoSMed CDT PhD students by reviewing and make suggestions to improve the service.
  • Collect, organise and record data and information accurately to provide reports.
  • Manage, maintain and monitor designated equipment in the protein facility to ensure safety, security and compliance.
  • Carry out specialist risk assessments and resolve incidents that require specialist expertise.
Planning and Organising
  • Plan and organise own workload to deliver the role.
  • Deliver assigned projects in accordance with agreed objectives ensuring a high level of accuracy, complexity, originality and excellence.
  • Seek feedback from students and investigators of the MoSMed CDT to ensure that the service is updated to meet customer expectations..
  • Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services.
Teaching and Learning Support
  • Commission, construct and setup test and experimental scenarios and practical sessions.
  • Be an expert in the use of a range of equipment in the protein facility
  • Provide high-level technical guidance and advice to solve problems and help shape the delivery of teaching, learning and research outcomes.
  • Arrange the maintenance of technical and experimental facilities, teaching and research environments.
  • Setup, demonstrate, instruct and supervise the use and operation of specialist pieces of equipment.
  • Record, monitor and collate information, analyse patterns and trends as part of teaching and research activities.
Communication/Liaison
  • Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees.
  • Explain and demonstrate to others how to carry out tasks and use a range of equipment in the protein facility
  • Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills, while swapping information with peers.
  • Build relationships with [contractors and third-party suppliers] to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives.
  • Any other reasonable duties.
Useful linksIf you would like further information regarding the MoSMed CDT please refer to our website:Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Durham University