Laboratory Technician NAS

*2 Positions Available*

Full time.

Fixed term for 14 months.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 21 May 2023.
Interviews are expected to take place on week commencing 29 May 2023.

The University will pay an additional pay supplement to spine point 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 to align with the Scottish Living Wage rates which, with effect from 1st November 2021, equates to £20,405 per annum.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

This post is funded to provide technical support for Nutrition Analytical Service to ensure the smooth running of laboratories and to perform analyses of samples using a range of analytical procedures for commercial clients.

This post will involve working within the Nutrition laboratories at the Institute of Aquaculture on the Stirling Campus.

• Perform analyses of samples of using a range of analytical procedures for commercial clients
• Carry out biochemical assays on various sample types for a variety of analytical parameters
• Record results of experiments/sample testing and pass to senior colleagues for further analysis and reporting
• Provide support to staff in ensuring the smooth running of laboratories in the relevant areas to include ensuring tidiness, cleaning of glassware, disposal of laboratory waste, booking in samples for analysis, archiving data and maintaining stocks of general consumables
• Carry out routine monitoring, maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment as required
• Perform other duties, consistent with the role, as designated by the Technical Manager or assigned person

• Science based HNC/ HND or equivalent
• Suitable candidates will ideally have experience with general laboratory equipment and related protocols e.g. pipetting, preparation of reagents, use of centrifuges and spectrophotometers, safe handling and disposal of chemicals
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to deal with day-to-day issues as well as being able to recognise when a problem should be referred to others
• An understanding of the issues surrounding confidentiality, health and safety and security
• Good IT skills, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook, would be desirable
• Good communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Previous experience in a laboratory environment
• Experience in preliminary analysis of experimental data and of adapting standard laboratory protocols to optimise results
• Knowledge and experience of aquaculture procedures would also be desirable
• Experience of Quality Management Procedures
• Ability to work both in a team and on your own initiative within a set of procedures/practices
• Ability to deal promptly, effectively and courteously to requests for information or service
• Ability to interact appropriately with people at a variety of levels

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. Results of REF2014 confirmed that 75% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Recent success in the 2018 City deal is leading to a substantial investment in new infrastructure linked to the Faculty including a £17 million investment for a new Institute of Aquaculture and Global Aquatic Food Security facility and a £5 million investment for Scotland’s International Environment Centre.

Aquaculture

We are a global leader in aquaculture research and teaching, supporting the development of aquaculture worldwide. Our world-class researchers pioneer aquaculture as a solution to the challenges of feeding a growing global population. We’re driven by our belief in aquaculture helping to create a world without hunger. Our expert staff, facilities and networks make us the first choice for research partners from across the globe. We have academics working across research groups focused on reproduction, genetics, aquatic animal health and welfare, nutrition, production systems, environments, markets, and social and economic impacts. We have collaborative research and training partnerships and links with many other leading academic institutions, and industry partners throughout Europe and overseas. We also offer a long-established and successful research service to support the development of new technology. The recent City Deal investment will provide four aquatic research facilities to cover the full range of marine environmental conditions.

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Interdisciplinary in its approach, Stirling’s research informs its teaching curriculum and facilitates opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration between staff, students, industry partners and the wider community.

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 10 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 120 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The campus – also home to 1,700 staff – has its own loch and castle, and a recent multi-million-pound redevelopment has delivered modern, flexible, and digitally connected study and social spaces at the heart of campus, including enhanced student support and retail and catering outlets.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019). Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence and its recently redeveloped world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

As a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, the University is driving productivity and inclusive growth across the Forth Valley, and beyond. Through pioneering collaborative solutions to global challenges, researchers are putting innovation, skills, and partnership at the heart of a sustainable economic recovery.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni