Research Laboratory Technician

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Cambridge is seeking a Laboratory Technician to manage the 2nd floor organic research laboratories. The role involves supporting academics and a team of researchers, distilling solvents, and overseeing equipment maintenance. Candidates should possess an HNC or equivalent in chemistry and demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Previous experience in a research environment is preferred. This position offers a part-time option of 30 hours per week.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge and experience of laboratory work and procedures.
• Ability to deal with a wide range of people at all levels.
• Good IT skills plus management experience would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on practical chemistry and associated equipment.
• Manage solvent distillation and equipment maintenance.
• Oversee setting up overnight reactions and maintain service accounts.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

HNC or equivalent in chemistry

Job description

Overview

This post fulfils a crucial role in the Department with responsibility for the smooth running of the 2nd floor organic research laboratories and organic satellite areas around the Department. The role holder will be the chief technician supporting 9 academics and around 80 research personnel and will manage a research laboratory technician.

Duties

Duties will include providing advice on all aspects of practical chemistry and associated equipment to research personnel; distilling solvents daily; setting up and maintaining a service program of vacuum pumps, both rotary oil pumps and diaphragm pumps; responsibility for overseeing the setting up of overnight reactions; maintaining accounts for all services including requesting or raising order requisitions for distilled solvents, glass-blowing work & other services with a responsibility for administering an annual turnover circa £30K p.a.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have at least an HNC or equivalent in chemistry with an in depth knowledge and experience of laboratory work and procedures. They will be able to demonstrate well developed interpersonal and leadership skills; excellent organisational and communication skills; the ability to deal with a wide range of people at all levels; the ability to prioritise, to work under pressure and to use initiative. Previous experience of working in a higher education / research environment, good IT skills plus management experience would be an advantage.

Benefits

• We would consider part time of 30 hours a week spread over 5 days each week.

Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For informal queries please contact Emma Graham ([e-mail]).

Please quote reference MA48618 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.