Teaching and Research Technician

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Reading seeks a part-time technician for a permanent role in Biological Sciences, specifically Zoology. This position involves supporting undergraduate courses, conducting research activities, and working with the Cole Museum of Zoology. The ideal candidate will possess relevant qualifications and experience, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Biological techniques and related activities.
• Experience in monitoring technical standards and issues.
• Ability to train and demonstrate procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, setup, and support undergraduate practical classes in Biological Sciences.
• Deliver safety training and assist with equipment and techniques.
• Support the Cole Museum of Zoology with routine conservation tasks.

Skills

Biology techniques

Equipment operation

Training

Education

HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3 in Biology

Job description

Role type: Permanent

Hours: 0.8 FTE - 36 hours per week, 41.60 weeks of the year

Closing date: 23:59 30 July 2025

We in Technical Services are committed to the development of our staff and we actively strive to diversify our teams. We are a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment and an Employer Champion; we are dedicated to providing all applicants equality of opportunity. We have a fantastic opportunity for a technician to join us in this part-time, permanent role. You will be working 36 hours a week for 80% of the year (41.6 weeks), starting in early September and ending in mid-June to help cover our busy teaching semesters.

This role offers the opportunity to make a contribution towards the success of our teaching and research in Biological Sciences, particularly Zoology.

Your primary duties and responsibilities will be to prepare, setup and support undergraduate practical classes, deliver critical safety training to students and undertake, as part of the team, a range of research tasks that enable quality science. A proportion of your time will also be supporting the Cole Museum of Zoology, undertaking routine conservation tasks, including working with fluid specimen collections and training student volunteers.

To be shortlisted for the role, detail how you meet the following essential criteria:

• Attainment equivalent to achievement of HNC, AS/ A-Level, NVQ3 in a Biology related subject.
• Able to train and demonstrate to staff and students, explain procedures and provide assistance with equipment and techniques where necessary.
• Significant knowledge across a range of techniques required in Biology related activities.
• Significant experience in operating equipment used in Biology related activities.
• Sufficient experience to monitor technical standards in own area, highlighting and prioritising any issues for further investigation.
  
  

Closing date: 30 July 2025

Interviews will be held: 6 August 2025

Contact Name: Paul Baker

Contact Position: Technical Manager

Contact Email Address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: James Magee

Alternative Contact Position: Associate Director of Technical Services

Alternative Contact Email Address: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is a leading LGBT+ rights organisation. We are also a Disability Confident Level 1 employer Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.