Technician (Fixed Term) (SCI

## Technical Support Opportunity in Pharmaceutical Sciences: A Deep Dive for Aspiring Technicians

For professionals passionate about the intersection of science and support, an exciting opportunity has arisen within a leading School of Pharmacy. This full-time, fixed-term position offers a chance to contribute significantly to high-quality research and educational endeavors, while simultaneously fostering personal and professional growth. We invite enthusiastic and proactive individuals to explore this role and discover how it can align with their career aspirations.

This role is more than just a job; it's an invitation to become an integral part of a dynamic technical team. You will be instrumental in maintaining and supporting crucial technical services within the Boots Science Building. Your daily activities will directly empower academic staff and fellow technicians, enabling them to conduct cutting-edge research. This is a hands-on position where your expertise will be highly valued.

Key Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities:

• Enhance Research Capabilities: Collaborate closely with academic staff and the technical team to facilitate high-quality research activities. You'll be a key enabler of scientific discovery.
• Champion Health and Safety: Play a vital role in maintaining a safe laboratory environment. This involves proactively assessing risks for planned activities and developing comprehensive standard operating procedures, ensuring best practices are upheld.
• Provide Expert Laboratory Support: Offer guidance and assistance across various laboratory settings, potentially including Biological category 2 and chemistry laboratories. This includes supporting facilities, equipment, and specialized skills and techniques.
• Maintain and Monitor Equipment: Conduct essential monthly monitoring of research laboratories and their equipment, ensuring operational readiness and identifying any potential issues proactively.
• Facilitate Inductions: Conduct building and lab inductions, sharing your knowledge and ensuring new personnel are well-integrated and informed about lab protocols.
• Manage Chemical Inventories: Contribute to the efficient management and maintenance of chemical supplies, ensuring availability and adherence to safety regulations.
• Deliver Instrument Training: Share your technical proficiency by providing training on essential instruments, such as spectroscopy or HPLC equipment, empowering others with valuable skills.
• Resource Management: Ensure that vital resources are meticulously maintained and readily available for all users, contributing to the smooth operation of the department.

What Makes This Role a Career Stepping Stone:

• Professional Development: The university is committed to your growth. You'll benefit from opportunities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and valuable networking with a community of highly skilled technicians.
• Dedicated Training Support: Access to a dedicated fund specifically for technical training initiatives means you can acquire new skills and deepen your expertise in areas relevant to your career path.
• Hands-On Experience: Gain invaluable practical experience within a highly successful and respected department, enhancing your resume and your practical skill set.
• Career Progression: The competitive annual salary offers the opportunity to progress through the pay scale, reflecting your growing experience and contributions.
• Generous Leave: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and university closure days (pro-rata for part-time staff).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We are seeking an individual with a solid foundation in technical roles, evidenced by an HNC or equivalent qualification, or substantial relevant working experience. Your problem-solving skills will be paramount, alongside excellent written and verbal communication abilities. The capacity to articulate complex technical information with clarity to diverse audiences is essential for success in this role.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

This role is ideal for someone seeking to specialize within a pharmaceutical science context. The emphasis on laboratory support, instrument training, and health and safety compliance offers a robust foundation for a career in technical services. The fixed-term nature of the contract (until 31st August 2026) provides a defined period to immerse yourself in these responsibilities, gain significant experience, and potentially explore avenues for further specialization or transition into long-term roles within the institution or broader scientific community.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to impactful research and education while investing in your own professional development. If you are driven, technically adept, and eager to make a tangible contribution, we encourage you to consider this compelling opportunity.