Laboratory Technician (Newcastle, GB)

We're delighted to present an in-depth review of the Laboratory Technician opportunity at Newcastle University, designed to illuminate this exciting role for prospective candidates and guide your career aspirations.

Newcastle University offers a compelling environment for professional growth, boasting a strong commitment to employee well-being and development. This position provides a solid foundation with a competitive salary range of £27,319 to £28,031 per annum, with a clear path for progression up to £29,588. Beyond the financial remuneration, the University excels in providing excellent benefits, including a generous holiday allowance (with the option to purchase additional days), attractive pension schemes, and a variety of health and well-being initiatives aimed at supporting you throughout your career.

The Opportunity: A Hands-On Role in Medical Sciences Education

As a Laboratory Technician within the Education technical community at Newcastle University, you will be instrumental in supporting the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This is a dynamic, hands-on role where your practical skills and knowledge of technical laboratory practices will directly contribute to teaching, research, and engagement activities.

The core of this position lies in the technical preparation of laboratory practical classes across key teaching Schools within the Faculty, including Dental Sciences, Pharmacy, Medical, and Biomedical Sciences. This is not just a supportive role; it's a pivotal one that demands a positive, proactive, and collaborative spirit.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Contribution: Directly support the education of future medical professionals, making a tangible difference in shaping the next generation of healthcare practitioners.
• Professional Development: Benefit from access to continuous professional development opportunities and a collaborative network of colleagues dedicated to sharing experience and best practices.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a supportive community of technicians committed to excellence, creativity, and impact.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a generous holiday package and a supportive environment that prioritizes health and well-being.
• Career Progression: The advertised salary range includes clear opportunities for progression, allowing for salary growth as you develop your skills and responsibilities within the role.
• Reputable Institution: Work for a globally recognized university with a strong commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equality.

Key Responsibilities and Skill Development:

This role offers a diverse range of responsibilities that will allow you to expand your technical repertoire and develop key transferable skills:

• Providing skilled technical support for teaching, research, and engagement.
• Preparing and manufacturing a variety of specimens, samples, and solutions.
• Performing maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment.
• Liaising with suppliers and manufacturers for problem resolution and procurement.
• Advising on equipment capabilities and demonstrating techniques.
• Developing and maintaining a safe and compliant working environment, including managing safety paperwork and accident reporting.
• Overseeing compliance tasks and local record-keeping.
• Contributing to service development, delivery, and planning.
• Managing equipment bookings and assisting with recharging processes.
• Designing, developing, and delivering inductions, demonstrations, and training sessions.
• Mentoring junior staff and contributing to training needs identification.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Practical Experience is Crucial: The role emphasizes demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical laboratory setting, with a strong need for a broad range of core, practical technical skills.
• Health and Safety Focus: A thorough understanding and experience of Health and Safety procedures, including safe waste management, are paramount. Your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment will be a key aspect of your success.
• Organizational and Proactive Approach: Excellent organizational abilities, a positive and proactive approach to duties, and the capacity to adapt to changing priorities are essential for meeting deadlines and ensuring smooth operations.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong team-working and communication skills are vital for collaborating effectively with academic staff, fellow technicians, and students.
• Qualifications: A BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent in a relevant subject is required, or equivalent demonstrable experience. The desirable qualification of professional registration with an accredited body could further enhance your career trajectory.
• Commitment to Full-Time On-Site Work: This is a full-time, on-site role based across the Faculty of Medical Sciences teaching laboratories.
• Medical Pre-Placement Checks: Be aware that medical pre-placement checks will be required before you commence in the role.

This Laboratory Technician position at Newcastle University presents a fantastic opportunity for an individual with a passion for science and a dedication to supporting education and research. It offers a stable and supportive work environment, excellent benefits, and a clear pathway for career development within a highly respected academic institution.