Technician in Biosciences 2025

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the college/department

Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning. Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation have a vital part they play in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation. Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing through our TechNet.

Technical colleagues support a wide range of specialist resources across the Colleges of Arts, Humanities and Education, College of Science and Engineering and the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, resource HUB’s, workshops, controlled environments, clinical suites, media studios and Derby Theatre. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE).

As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.

Many of our highly skilled technical staff members hold PhDs and Degrees in disciplines associated with the specialisms they deliver. An increasing number of our technicians have been recognised for their contribution to teaching and student support as Fellows and Associate Fellows of Advance HE. A number also hold professional accreditation status through organisations such as the Science Council, which establishes knowledge, understanding and competence.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our dedicated technical services team in the College of Science and Engineering, mainly supporting the School of Science.

About the role

As a technician you will ensure the technical resources are deployed and developed to support the co-ordination, preparation and running of specialist classes in the newly established Biosciences Super Lab.

Initially this will involve supporting the Senior Technician and Technical Team Leader to set up the equipment, training and logistics involved in making the facility functional. There will be opportunity to gain specialist knowledge and experience in various aspects of biological sciences.

Working closely with academic and technical teams you will be required to support a range of activities including undergraduate projects, teaching, research and outreach activities whilst promoting good practice and ensuring safety compliance. This post will provide good opportunities to contribute to the strategic direction and evolving changes within Sciences within the College of Science and Engineering.

Anticipated interview date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025

About you

We are looking for a skilled and organised individual with hands-on experience in supporting practical work within Biomedical or Biological Sciences. The ideal candidate will have sound knowledge of using and maintaining relevant laboratory equipment, alongside a strong understanding of Health and Safety practices, including Risk Assessments (RA) and COSHH regulations.

A high level of organisational ability is essential, with the capacity to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks, and support a safe and efficient learning environment.

Candidates should hold a Degree in a relevant scientific discipline or have the equivalent experience in a related scientific subject.

Principal accountabilities

• Liaise with academic staff in the School of Science and the Technical team to ensure full technical support for teaching, course development, academic enterprise, outreach and research in Biosciences. Ensure that work generated in this way is fully communicated to the relevant Senior Technician for programming of work.
• Provide technical support for laboratory practical sessions in the super lab requested by academic staff and scheduled by the Senior Technician.
• Provide technical assistance to other members of staff as required by the Technical Team Leader or Technical Manager.
• Maintain the efficient operation and orderly appearance of the Super Lab and preparation spaces.
• Provide relevant technical assistance for student projects (undergraduate and post-graduate).
• Assist with supervision and training of student employees and volunteers.
• Construct and/or install and implement new apparatus and equipment, operate and maintain existing apparatus and equipment as appropriate.
• Help to maintain material stocks, spares etc. and report deficiencies to the Senior Technician.
• Demonstrate relevant techniques in practical sessions as required (if technician workload permits).
• Undertake appropriate technician development courses.
• Ensure local compliance with all relevant Health and Safety regulations and policies and write risk assessments where appropriate.
• Undertake any additional duties as required in agreement with the line manager and Technical Team Leader.

Essential criteria

Qualifications

Degree in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience in a related scientific subject

Experience

• Experience of supporting or engaging in practical work in Biomedical or Biological Science
• Experience and knowledge of using and maintaining equipment used in a scientific laboratory

Skills, knowledge abilities

• Ability to develop standard operating procedures for practical classes
• Excellent and proven verbal communication skills and able to communicate effectively to students and staff
• Ability to plan and monitor own workload operating both alone and as part of a team
• Working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety including Risk Assessments (RA) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• Demonstrable high level of organisational and practical skills
• Manages own time and prioritises work
• Team worker
• Highly self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision and willingness to take on varied responsibilities

Business requirements

• Willingness to provide support at University events from time to time e.g., Graduation, Clearing and Open Days (some of these events occur outside of normal working hours, such as evenings and weekends)
• Commitment to the University values and behaviours

Desirable criteria

Qualifications

• Professional registration

Experience

• Experience and knowledge of working in cell culture and molecular labs

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Appropriate IT skills

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development