At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching activities in engineering labs, ensuring equipment is ready and safe for classes.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading institution dedicated to innovation and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, opportunities for professional development, and a vibrant campus culture.
- Other info: Evening and weekend work may be required, along with potential travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: A good understanding of health and safety, plus GCSEs in maths and English are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 € per year.
Overview
You will provide technical support for teaching activities as required, utilising your technical skills and a wide range of techniques. You will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate classes. In order to flexibly use resource, you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.
Responsibilities
Main Duties
- Contribute to planning the most efficient/effective means to turnaround the daily classes
- Setting up and clearing away equipment, consumables and reagents, ensuring laboratories are suitably prepared for practicals
- Testing, maintaining and calibrating a wide range of precision instrumentation
- Monitoring and replenishing consumables, including preparing orders and collecting items from stores
- Diagnosing and resolving the majority of in-class problems, including with equipment
- Demonstrating the use of a wide range of relevant equipment and techniques during classes
- Testing and, where appropriate, modifying protocols in conjunction with manager
- Liaising with relevant managers with regard to requirements and accurately instruct other staff
- Preparing the laboratories for other events such as open days. You may be asked to participate in demonstrations on open days
Health and Safety
- Uphold compliance with all University and local Health & Safety policies, including risk assessments and manual handling, reporting any breaches or non-compliance to the relevant manager
- Manage the safe handling and disposal of all materials used in practical classes or research laboratories, including hazardous materials
- Assist or prepare risk assessments and keep these up to date if required
- Maintain all records as appropriate
- Carry out regular maintenance processes as appropriate
Administrative Duties
- Maintain stocks of consumables and, if necessary, create purchase order requisitions
- Receipt and correct storage of consumables and chemical reagents
- Ensure that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems
- Report any problems with equipment or services which cannot be resolved to the line manager as appropriate
- Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures where practicable
- Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others
- Very good organisational and administrative skills, able to record information accurately using online systems and databases
- A flexible and proactive attitude is essential
- Very good communication and interpersonal skills, able to persuasively influence compliance from principal investigators to students
- Work will require some evenings and weekends; activities may require occasional extended periods away from Birmingham, including overseas travel
- A willingness to be qualified as a first aider is desirable
- NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent and specific relevant experience would be advantageous
- GCSE level 2 (A-C) or equivalent in mathematics and English
- Practical experience of battery-operated vehicles and working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice is advantageous
- Experience of working in a laboratory-based teaching or research environment; or the ability to participate in practical classes
- Ability to organise and manage your own workload after consultation with manager
- Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters, with strong communication skills to interact with a range of people
- Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines
- Fully familiar with safe handling and storage of laboratory materials
- Good IT skills; familiarity with Windows and/or Apple Macintosh is advantageous
- Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace and can identify and respond to related issues
Dimensions and Planning
You will have no direct line management responsibility (other than occasional instructions to other staff) and no budget to manage. You will schedule and organise your own work within the priorities and requirements for the area. You will deliver a level of service to colleagues/customers/students as agreed, carrying out daily teaching support as required. You will apply knowledge and experience to resolve issues with equipment or experiments for student classes.
Teaching Support Technician - School of Engineering - 80489 - Grade 4 employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the School of Engineering. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, a supportive culture that values diversity, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful teaching support activities that directly impact students' learning experiences. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides a unique blend of academic excellence and community engagement, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Support Technician - School of Engineering - 80489 - Grade 4
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment and techniques mentioned in the job description. If you have experience with manual lathes and millers, highlight that in conversations or interviews, as it shows your readiness to contribute immediately.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your understanding of health and safety protocols during any discussions. Being proactive about safety not only aligns with the role's requirements but also showcases your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the University of Birmingham, especially those in similar roles. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your organisational skills and how you manage your workload. The role requires flexibility and the ability to prioritise tasks, so having examples ready will help you stand out during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Support Technician - School of Engineering - 80489 - Grade 4
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any technical support roles you've held, particularly in educational settings.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the University of Birmingham. Mention specific duties from the job description that you are excited about and how your background makes you a great fit.
Highlight Health and Safety Knowledge:Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be sure to include any relevant training or experience you have in this area. Discuss how you have previously ensured compliance with safety protocols.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since the role requires good communication and interpersonal skills, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with students or colleagues in past positions. This could include resolving issues or providing instructions.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Show Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your technical skills in detail, especially regarding manual lathes and millers. If you have experience in a laboratory setting, share specific examples of how you've contributed to practical classes or resolved equipment issues.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Since health and safety compliance is crucial for this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of health and safety policies. Mention any relevant experience you have with risk assessments or safe handling of materials.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Proactivity
This position requires a flexible attitude and the ability to manage your workload effectively. Share instances where you've adapted to changing circumstances or taken the initiative to improve processes in your previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively, especially when discussing how you would instruct others or influence compliance among students and staff.
