Please note this vacancy is open to current University of Glasgow employees only.

Job Purpose

To provide an expert technical service within the the College of Science and Engineering’s (CoSE) Geochemistry, Chemistry and Engineering Materials Technical Service team delivering advice on the creation, set up and best operation of technical resources to aid the delivery of research and teaching objectives and train and assist users carrying out data collection and detailed analyses on samples in a lab and field environment.

The role will primarily provide support for the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) encapsulating a range of experimental techniques (e.g., Dissolved Organic Carbon Analysis (DOC), Total Carbon Analysis on Picarro Combustion Module and Grain Size Analysis) and will involve building close working relationships with researchers, academics, and fellow technical staff to drive research excellence across CoSE in the posts specialist areas.

The post will also support residential teaching field classes and research field trips facilitating the delivery of sample collection and data capture and providing on location training. This will utilise a variety of techniques including drone image capturing, Terrestrial Laser Scanning, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, CO2 and methane measurements and deployment of various data loggers.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Provide in-depth technical knowledge, support, solutions, and advice to academic and student service users within the Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL), maximise the learning experience and contribute to the delivery of research and teaching objectives in a lab or field setting.

2.  Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of the lab to ensure an excellent experience for service users by monitoring technical standards in area of work, highlighting and prioritising issues as appropriate.

3.  Develop, create and test new equipment, systems, procedures, protocols, models and/or techniques. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems carrying out appropriate maintenance as required.

4.  Design, plan and organise technical activities to meet the needs of service users within agreed timescales.

5.  Advise, train and provide guidance to service users in the best application and operation of technical resources, equipment and techniques to collect, prepare and analyse samples.

6.  In liaison with relevant senior staff, monitor technical standards, advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.

7.  Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly. Present findings accurately. This may include research and/or teaching related data.

8.  Maintain appropriate stock levels, including appropriate preparation of specialised media and samples as required, and purchase consumables and supplies within defined budget.

9.  In consultation and collaboration with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical workspace and facilities, implementing health and safety policies as determined by the University and the Health and Safety Executive. Support the completion of risk assessments.

10.  Support the supervision and training of students through development and demonstration of equipment and techniques applying specialist technical expertise, allocating work and monitoring progress and outputs.

11.  Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required, including the Technician Commitment key themes, https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/technicians/

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

A1. Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with the level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role OR: Skill level equivalent to achievement of Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher / Scottish Vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate) and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2. Demonstrable in-depth technical knowledge and skills aligned to the disciplines of Environmental and Physical Geography.

A3. Up to date knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including but not limited to Health and Safety.

Desirable

B1. Full UK driving licence

B2.  General Visual Line of sight Certificate (GVC) as requirement for drone work as licenced under the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Skills

Essential

C1.  Demonstrable specialist technical skills aligned to the disciplines of Environmental and Physical Geography, for example, the ability to determine and run the appropriate analysis techniques and perform sample collection in a range of external environments.

C2. Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist or bespoke software packages.

C3.  Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability, including high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

C4. Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, and interpret the technical requirements of users.

C5. Excellent teamworking skills and ability to supervise others.

C6.  Ability to plan and prioritise a broad range of technical work to meet competing demands.

Experience

Essential

E1. Significant relevant work experience within a similar research environment, including evidence of previous outputs and professional development.

E2. Experience of understanding and interpreting technical requirements of service users and implementing appropriate methods of achieving their needs.

E3. Experience of training and supervising students on the use of equipment, and data analysis including the interpretation of complex environmental data sets.

E4. Experience of operating independently in supporting teaching and research goals within set timescales.

E5. Proven ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with a range of analytical equipment associated within an environmental analytical laboratory.

E6. Experience of supporting research and teaching in outdoor environments.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5, £26,338 - £30,805 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent).

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date:  2 June 2025