At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert technical support in teaching labs and ensure smooth practical classes.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading institution with a collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in exciting external events.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' learning experiences while working with cutting-edge equipment.
- Qualifications: Relevant experience or qualifications in technical and scientific methods required.
The predicted salary is between 30062 - 31800 € per year.
Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) – University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. Full‑time, permanent position. Grade 5. Salary: £30,062 – £31,900 to start, with potential progression to £35,883. Closing date: 31 May 2026.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Role Summary
You will provide expert technical support and guidance in teaching laboratories. You will not teach directly but will ensure practical classes are ready, troubleshoot equipment, maintain the laboratory environment and systems, and support staff and students as needed.
Main Duties
- Supervise the day‑to‑day activities of other technical staff if in a supervisory role.
- Provide support and guidance to staff, ensuring good working conditions and identifying training needs.
- Plan and coordinate daily classroom activities, ensuring efficient turnaround of classes.
- Research, design, trial and modify practical protocols for teaching.
- Deputise for laboratory managers when required.
- Instruct and provide high‑level technical support to students for safe handling of equipment and sample preparation.
- Prepare and maintain a range of materials and reagents for practical sessions.
- Organise and support external events such as open days and professional development sessions.
- Ensure laboratories are prepared for practical sessions and check practical layouts before classes.
- Demonstrate equipment use and advanced techniques to staff and students.
- Troubleshoot and respond to problems during practical sessions, diagnosing and resolving issues.
Health and Safety Duties
- Proactively support health and safety within the laboratory, ensuring all assessments are approved and updated.
- Demonstrate and train staff on correct equipment use.
- Maintain regular maintenance processes and records.
- Report breaches or non‑compliance with health and safety procedures to the relevant manager.
- Ensure proper waste disposal in line with university and local policy.
- Assist with first-aider training if requested.
General Administration and Organisation
- Keep accurate and up‑to‑date records of all activities.
- Proactively maintain consumable stocks and generate purchase orders using university systems.
- Ensure proper receipt, storage, and inventory of consumables, equipment, and reagents.
- Maintain the technical support based teaching laboratory website and related documentation.
- Keep PAT testing, equipment calibration, and inventory records current.
- Support carbon reduction and energy saving initiatives.
Other Duties
- Assist with training and mentoring of junior staff.
- Support equality and diversity principles, avoiding discriminatory impact or bias.
- Perform any other duties reasonably required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Extensive relevant workplace experience or equivalent professional qualification in an appropriate subject.
- GCSE level 2 (A*–C/4–9) or equivalent in mathematics and English.
- In‑depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
- Extensive experience of laboratory‑based work and familiarity with a wide range of equipment.
- Positive service attitude and courtesy in dealing with others.
- Strong organisational and workload management skills, with flexibility in work practices.
- Ability to work under minimal supervision as part of a team.
- Knowledge of current legislation and health and safety policies applicable to the role.
- Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
- Understanding of equality and diversity in the workplace and ability to respond to related issues.
Dimensions
Provide specialist expertise and support to a range of stakeholders. May supervise staff and be involved in budget monitoring.
Planning and Organising
Work independently on daily, weekly and monthly tasks, and on projects with medium‑to‑longer term horizons. Plan and procure resources proactively.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Research, modify and adapt protocols, and prepare teaching experiments. Uphold health and safety procedures. Identify and implement solutions autonomously while coordinating with senior staff.
Internal and External Relationships
Advise and support staff, students, and external contacts such as company representatives.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and support a diverse workforce.
Senior Teaching Technician (Engineering) - Collaborative Teaching Laboratory - 55837 - Grade in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work environment in the heart of Edgbaston. As a Senior Teaching Technician in the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, you will benefit from competitive salary progression, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to health and safety. The university fosters a culture of support and innovation, ensuring that staff and students thrive in a dynamic educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Teaching Technician (Engineering) - Collaborative Teaching Laboratory - 55837 - Grade in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and education sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to technical support and laboratory management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to get comfortable with articulating your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous work in laboratory settings, including any protocols you've developed or problems you've solved. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Teaching Technician (Engineering) - Collaborative Teaching Laboratory - 55837 - Grade in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Teaching Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience in laboratory settings and any supervisory roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of technical support, be sure to detail your hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and safety protocols. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for teaching and supporting students, as well as your commitment to health and safety in the lab.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to laboratory equipment and safety protocols. Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and techniques mentioned in the job description, as this will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully managed laboratory environments or supported teaching staff. Highlight any supervisory roles you've had and how you’ve contributed to a positive learning atmosphere. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Think of scenarios where you've had to troubleshoot issues in a lab setting. Be prepared to discuss how you approached these challenges and what solutions you implemented. This will illustrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Engage with Health and Safety
Since health and safety is a big part of the role, be ready to discuss your understanding of relevant legislation and policies. You might even want to bring up any experiences where you ensured compliance or improved safety standards in previous positions.
