Job Description

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values click

The Role and Department

This role supports the Department of Chemistry in delivering internationally excellent teaching and research by providing specialist services within the scientific environment. This includes hazardous research areas, teaching laboratories, analytical suites and technical / scientific workshops.

More information on the Department can be found at . The University is committed to developing all of our colleagues to achieve their full potential. We promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment to ensure that all colleagues can thrive.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days including time off between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers)
• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• Generous pension schemes.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we\xe2\x80\x99re looking for:

Qualifications/Experience

1. Five GCSE\xe2\x80\x99s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.

2. Experience of working in a technical environment setting up resources, tools and equipment to meet teaching and research outputs or having relevant qualifications for the role.

3. Experience of working in a team.

4. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

5. Good spoken and written communication skills.

6. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications

7. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.

8. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.

9. Knowledge of health and safety issues particularly around chemical handling.

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Connor Sibbald would be happy to speak to you. (connor.sibbald@durham.ac.uk).

Qualifications

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you\xe2\x80\x99ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you\xe2\x80\x99ll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery

• Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Log, record and pass on information for use by others.
• Carry out laboratory-based tasks that may require specialist skills.
• Follow established procedures when carrying out your role and vary or refer to more senior colleagues when necessary.
• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.
• When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards for example following good laboratory practice.
• Carry out specified tasks to ensure that a research or teaching facility is safe to use.

Teamwork/Liaison

• Help to move, set-up and maintain any [facilities, equipment or tools].
• Help team members operate a range of standard tools and equipment.
• Help team members to construct and/or repair [mechanical, electrical, electronic and digital equipment and tools] under the supervision of more experienced colleagues.
• Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service.
• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives.
• Help team members carry out and record annual maintenance checks and update risk assessments.
• Help carry out stock and inventory checks.

Communication/Personal

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University\xe2\x80\x99s values.
• Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experience team members.
• Respond to routine queries from suppliers, contractors, contacts, professional bodies where necessary.

\xc2\xb7 Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Durham University