Science Technician (BES) in Manchester

Job

Summary: Assist in the supporting of academic staff and other technical staff in the delivery of teaching and other learning activities within the Faculty of Health Innovation Technology and Science.

To support a wide range of activities in the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES), with technical expertise in Biology plus one or more of the following Physiology, Anatomy, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Geography, Genetics and Forensic Anthropology.

Supporting and preparing for laboratory practicals.

University

Context: A technical role within the Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science (FHITS) tofacilitate the running of taught practical classes.

The appointed candidate will be required towork with a variety of organs and living organisms.

Responsibilities

• Working in partnership with academic and other technical staff to support the faculty's objectives relating to learning and teaching and research.
• Establishing and maintaining effective and proactive communication and working arrangements between academic staff and technical staff to ensure that requirements and expectations on the technical service are understood and implemented.
• Upkeep of designated technical area, ensuring the preparation, maintenance, and review of procedures to support the effective use of spaces and/or equipment for a wide range of different activities, some involving the husbandry and handling of invertebrates and small vertebrates.
• Ensuring the adequate preparation of specimens and facilities as required by staff for teaching and research, often to tight deadlines.
• Supporting the effective management of School assets, e. g., via use of appropriate databases and development of a loans/booking system for staff and students borrowing equipment.
• Supporting on and off-site public events, exhibitions, conferences, public lectures, degree shows, etc. on behalf of the school.
• To provide high-quality technical support to the FHITS teaching laboratories as required, directed by the appropriate Senior Technician and Team Leader.
• Assist with the routine administration including record maintenance and stock controls including the ordering of consumable items via i-Buy (a university purchasing portal).
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings and programme team.
• Contribute to a supportive working environment and develop productive working relationships with other team members.
• Technical Activities
• Providing technical demonstrations, workshops, and practical sessions to students; the development of supporting materials and documentation, e. g., written, online and interactive, to underpin these sessions and/or as stand‑alone aids.
• To be responsible for the setting up, care and maintenance of designated laboratories.
• To be responsible for preparation of stock solutions, culture plates using aseptic techniques in addition to equipment maintenance and calibration.
• With technical expertise in Biology plus one or more of the following Physiology, Anatomy, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Geography, Genetics and Forensic Anthropology.
• Responsible for giving advice and support to academics in the development of laboratory practical classes in areas defined above.
• Assist academic and technical staff in the preparation and collection of materials for practical classes.
• Ensuring the availability of technical support and providing support and guidance to students undertaking activities, projects, etc. in designated technical areas.
• Training and development of staff and students in an area of technical specialism.
• Assist with the provision of practical classes in own area and providing support to other practical classes when required.
• Attend training on specific items of equipment as deemed necessary by the Technical Team Leader; contributing to the development and implementation of innovative methods of learning by keeping abreast with the latest developments in the designated technical area.
• Contributing to outreach programmes and recruitment events, representing LJMU's values and helping to attract, engage, and support prospective students.
• Supporting the School in field work activities as required.
• Health, Safety and Sustainability
• Responsible for the proactive management of health and safety in a designated technical area; disseminating information and reports to staff and students and ensuring that all operations within technical areas comply with University's health and safety policies, procedures, and codes of practice.
• Responsible for writing and updating documentation related to area of responsibility such as risk assessments, COSHH assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Routine laboratory cleanliness, basic equipment testing, maintenance, audit, and safety checks.
• Responsible for managing sustainable practices within designated areas.
• Ensure awareness of changes to local Health and Safety regulations and implement any necessary new procedures for laboratory practices.
• Awareness of legislation involving animal ethics and welfare and human tissue.
• Assisting with the induction, demonstration, training and recording of technical systems, machinery, equipment, and processes.
• Ensuring that a high standard of housekeeping is maintained in technical areas.
• Initiative and Problem Solving
• To solve standard day to day problems that may arise, e. g. broken equipment.
• Solve more complex problems which will aid in better delivery of laboratory practicals to students. Researching new ideas and adapting protocols where necessary.
• To provide technical advice to students to enable them to achieve maximum potential or to point them towards relevant sources of further information.
• To ensure facilities and equipment are maintained to the required standard and inform the Technical Team Leader should equipment fall below this standard.
• Additional Duties
• Contribute to wider School/University activities e. g., open days, student welcome, graduation and clearing events.
• Act as an ambassador for the University in all interactions with current and prospective staff and students, visitors to the University, external partners, media and general public.
• Promote the University's values of an inclusive and diverse community.
• Any such duties, commensurate with the grade, level of experience and training, as deemed necessary by the Teaching Technical Resource Manager as a result of changing circumstances.
• Commitment to LJMU's values and regulations, including equal opportunities policy.
• Liverpool John Moores University recognises and is aware of its Social, Economic and Environmental responsibilities; the post holder is required to minimise environmental impact in the performance of the role and actively contribute to the delivery of LJMU's Environmental Policy.
• The post-holder's mandatory Health and Safety responsibilities, which have been agreed by the University's Strategic Management Team, are contained in Section 2 of the University's Safety Management Code of Practice MCP1 Organisation for the Implementation of the Health and Safety Policy.

Person Specification

The person specification describes the skills, experience, knowledge, and aptitude required to perform the duties of this post effectively.

The criteria order listed should not be taken to imply their relative importance.

Both paid and unpaid experience may be relevant.

Qualifications

HNC or HND in a relevant subject or equivalent qualification, or an A, I & proven track record of broad substantial relevant experience.

Certificates demonstrating general knowledge of technical practice, related to BES such as Physiology, Biology, Anatomy, Ecology, Geography, Genetics and Forensic Anthropology.

Experience

Experience working in a laboratory or technical environment, with I & A good working knowledge of lab practices and equipment; Awareness of COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard operating I & A procedures and use in laboratories; Handling invertebrates and plant life I & A; Experienced in transferring skills and knowledge I & A; Experience in operating microscopes I & A; Skills Good communication skills at all levels both written and oral I & A; Laboratory skills in calculating stock concentrations and preparation I & A of these materials; IT literate with experience of Microsoft Office Suite A; Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise work I; Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team I & A; Can demonstrate practical skills and translate knowledge to others I; Specialized Knowledge Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and its implementation in I & A a practical environment; Knowledge of a variety of biological techniques I & A; Knowledge of life sciences in general I & A

Personal Attributes

Willingness to participate in preparation of dissection material A & I; Helpful, friendly, approachable, enthusiastic, and energetic I; Good interpersonal skills I; Willingness to undertake personal development relevant to the role I & A; Interest in Science, Education, and the Environment I & A; Able to work flexibly and especially covering University teaching I & A periods (Usually September - May with a break over Christmas); Willing to undertake first aid training I & A; Degree in relevant Science subject such as Biology, Zoology; Genetics, Ecology or other relevant area; Full Driving Licence; Experience background in handling chemicals and training in relevant H&S I & A procedures such as risk assessments, COSHH and standard operating procedures; Experience of working with Drosophila or other insects such as I & A crickets and cockroaches Background in molecular biology I & A; Experience or willingness to participate in field work activities I & A; Familiar with all applicable Health & Safety legislation and its I & A implementation in relation to a technician's role.

• Financial Benefits
• Competitive salaries based on a low contractual 35 hour working week.
• 7.1% employer pension contributions for non-academic staff enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

This is a temporary reduction from the previous rate of 17.5%, effective from April 2026, following the Fund's triennial review.

The reduction reflects the Fund's current surplus and improved financial position.

This does not affect your pension benefits, which are determined by LGPS scheme rules rather than the level of employer contributions.

• 28.68% employer contribution to pensions for teaching staff enrolled into the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS).
• Work life balance: Excellent annual leave provision. 30 days for support staff and 35 days for staff and senior managers grade 8 and above. 8 UK bank holidays and up to 5 University closure days between Christmas and New Year.
• Family friendly policies and a range of benefits to support including job-shares, flexible working hours and part-time roles where possible.
• Health and wellbeing: Regular wellbeing support initiatives throughout the year.

Access to a trained counsellor via Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Plus a programme of activities and range of support and resources to help look after your mental and physical wellbeing.

• Career Benefits: Continuous development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and meet your career ambitions, including Linked In Learning.
• Making a difference: LJMU Climate Action - be at the forefront of initiatives to tackle climate change.

Share experiences and challenge unfair practices with our Diversity and Inclusion Staff Networks.

Opportunity to volunteer at graduation ceremonies, clearing and open days.

• Discounts and other benefits: A reward and benefits platform, giving savings on day‑today purchases across a range of retail outlets.
• Interest free loans repayable across twelve monthly instalments, including loans for annual travel season tickets and cycle to work scheme.
• Massively discounted gym and fitness classes at the University Sport Building.
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