Job Purpose

To assist technical staff within the MVLS Education Hub Technical Team to deliver high standards of laboratory support for teaching activities within Life Sciences. Responsible for laboratory cleanliness and general housekeeping, which includes washing glassware, handling and disposing of waste in a safe manner. Full training will be provided in-house as required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide a service for washing laboratory glassware and plastics, perform checks ensuring that it meets required standards and sterilise by autoclave.

2. Assist technical staff; autoclave glassware and appropriate waste streams, disposing of waste material in accordance with safe standard operating procedures.

3. Ensure the hygiene, cleanliness and tidiness of laboratory areas, whilst adhering to Health and Safety policies and ensuring their implementation (e.g. clean benches, sinks and equipment daily, maintain stocks of sterile plastics).

4. Carry out basic equipment maintenance according to clear and detailed instruction.

5. Liaise and communicate with service users and colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the facility.

6. Assist technical staff with preparation, set-up and clear-up for practical classes following established methods and standard operating procedures.

7. Assist in stocktaking of consumables and maintaining accurate records in conjunction with operational procedures of the facility as determined by technical staff.

8. Assist with other duties as part of the Education Hub Technical Team as required by line manager and Chief Technician.

9. 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/

Qualifications/ Knowledge

Essential:

A1. Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role OR Minimum Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 3 in English and Mathematics (National 3) or equivalent.

A2.  Knowledge and understanding of cross contamination issues.

A3. Good working knowledge of cleaning processes, preferably with experience in a similar role.

A4. Working knowledge of Health and Safety in the workplace.

Desirable:

B1. First Aid Certificate – full training will be provided if required.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Ability to use specialised equipment when carrying out basic duties.

C2. Good numerical and literacy skills.

C3. Ability to follow instruction, both verbally and in writing, with accuracy and attention to detail.

C4. Ability to forward plan and work on own initiative, organising assigned tasks effectively and efficiently in response to customer needs.

C5. Willingness to participate in training to acquire skills required..

C6. Good communication and customer care skills to communicate effectively with customer/service users and staff/managers.

Desirable:

D1. Basic IT skills.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Basic understanding of how to respond to situations as they happen, e.g. spillages, accidents and customer enquiries.

E2. Capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

E3. Ability to adapt to changing situations and readjust priorities.

Desirable:

F1. Previous experience of working in a hospital/university environment.

F2. Manual handling experience and/or training.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 2, £23,350 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term. This post is to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns.

Please Note: If you are a current employee of the University of Glasgow, please be advised that the University would consider an internal secondment opportunity for this post. University of Glasgow applicants should seek clearance for release for internal secondment from their line manager before making a formal application

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: 23:45 on Thursday 16th October 2025