Technical Officer - Chemistry and Nutrition - (7587)

Technical Officer – Analytical Chemistry – 12 month post.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Chemistry and Nutrition Technical team within Manchester Metropolitan University as a Technical Officer.

This post offers the opportunity to be part of our vibrant technical community, developing its education and research services to meet the needs of a university of the future.  Our diverse team of technicians ensure that the University functions efficiently and delivers the levels of student experience both our undergraduates and postgraduates deserve and expect of us. Working in specialist laboratories, workshops, studios and digital facilities, our technical professionals play a key role supporting, guiding, and advising across our university from sciences, art, engineering, design, and technology, through to sports, nursing and teacher training.

We are a forward-looking service, committed to a strong culture of continuous improvement and we are passionate about providing the best customer service to our staff and students. Focusing on supporting excellence in education and research provision. Working flexibly and collaboratively across professional services and the academy to provide assistance to a variety of laboratories and other specialist spaces.

The role  

This role sits within the Chemistry and Nutrition team.  Split across two buildings this team provides technical support to the Chemistry department, the Nutrition department and the wider university who use these spaces. This is a diverse area that supports researchers, undergraduate and masters students in the chemistry teaching and research labs as well as undergraduate and masters students in food kitchens, microbiology and biochemistry/ food science.

The ideal candidate will offer positive and proactive support and have demonstrable skills and ability to operate a range of lab equipment safely and to a high standard.  Due to the nature of the role candidates must be able to operate, troubleshoot and preform maintenance of either HPLC's or GC's.  A familiarity of ICP, flame photometers, pH meters, UV-Vis and IR is also beneficial.

The successful candidate will be charged with overseeing the provision of a range of lab classes as well as supporting a range of equipment within the research labs.  This is a team based role and will involve working with the other Technical Officers on the coordination of activities for Assistant Technical Officers and resource team members. There will be a focus with his role at identifying gaps with regards to paperwork and processes in team and working with the Technical Manager and fellow Technical Officers to produce this documentation to a high standard. 

Key components of role:

• Ensuring Health & Safety of the laboratory spaces is maintained at all times. Conducting inductions for staff, students and visitors.
• Ensuring Risk Assessments, COSHH forms and prep notes in area of responsibility are accurate and kept up to date.
• To be positive and proactive in order to ensure the provision for lab classes and researcher spaces is high quality and is undergoing continual improvement.
• Operation, trouble shooting and maintenance of a variety of analytical equipment.
• Preparation of materials for lab classes, working with academics to ensure all specifications are understood and are prepared to a high standard.
• Working as part of a wider team to triage student questions and issues across multiple disciplines

The role will involve supporting staff and students on a diverse number of customer-facing specialist counters and support areas. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of accomplishment in a similar environment. Additionally, they will have a positive and flexible approach to work, be reliable and punctual as well as motivated and willing to undertake all required training and allocated tasks. They will have the ability to work alongside others and be capable of working in a team, whilst striving to deliver excellent customer service. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are key as well as being able to demonstrate ownership of personal workload. 

At Manchester Metropolitan University, we are committed to supporting our technical staff in enabling them to undertake development activities in line with the needs of their specialism and work area, so a willingness to learn and develop is essential. 

If you are enthusiastic about this area, flexible, and committed to providing a high level of customer service, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

Please upload a covering letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria specified in the attached Job Description, as well as a copy of your CV.

If you would like more information about this post please contact, Gayle Wilson, Technical Manager; Gayle.Wilson@mmu.ac.uk

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring and particularly encourage applications from groups which are underrepresented in the University workforce.

We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations about this, as well as any reasonable adjustments required throughout the application process.

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.