Job Summary Table of Biosciences technician

Biosciences Technician – Job Description Summary

The University of Exeter is seeking a dedicated Biosciences Teaching Laboratory Technician to join their Technical Strategy & Operations team. This permanent, full-time position will provide essential technical support to teaching activities within the Biosciences Teaching Laboratories, ensuring efficient and safe laboratory operations for staff and students alike.

Key Responsibilities of the Biosciences Technician Position

• Technical Laboratory Support: Provide comprehensive technical support to teaching activities of staff and students within the Biosciences Teaching Laboratories, ensuring efficient and safe working environments.
• Teaching Support: Support academic staff in a non-teaching capacity, enabling them to deliver high-quality education to students across Biosciences disciplines.
• Practical Class Facilitation: Deliver hands-on technical support for undergraduate practical classes across the entire Biosciences department.
• Laboratory Management: Maintain laboratory equipment, prepare materials for practical sessions, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Student Guidance: Offer technical guidance to students during laboratory sessions, helping them develop practical skills essential for their scientific development.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure all laboratory equipment is properly calibrated, maintained, and ready for teaching sessions.
• Health & Safety Implementation: Enforce laboratory safety protocols and contribute to maintaining a safe working environment for all users.

Benefits and Perks of Working at University of Exeter

• Generous Leave Package: Enjoy 39 days of leave per year, offering excellent work-life balance.
• Flexible Working Options: Access to flexible working arrangements to accommodate personal circumstances.
• Retail Discounts: Numerous discounts available at leading retailers.
• Fitness Facilities: On-site gyms available across all campus locations.
• Cycling Scheme: Cycle to work scheme promoting sustainable commuting.
• Industry-Leading Family Policies: Sector-leading policies around maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a dedicated Fertility Treatment Policy.
• Beautiful Campuses: Work in stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, situated in the beautiful South West of England.

University of Exeter – Company Overview

The University of Exeter stands as one of the UK’s most prestigious academic institutions, proudly holding membership in the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Ranked among the top 200 universities globally according to both Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024, Exeter combines world-class teaching with cutting-edge research. The university’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for both Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

The university’s research impact has grown more significantly than any other Russell Group university in recent years. Home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, Exeter is at the forefront of addressing fundamental issues facing humanity today. More than 99 percent of its research is of international quality, with an impressive 47 percent classified as world-leading according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Technical Strategy & Operations – Department Profile

This role is positioned within the Technical Strategy & Operations division, a critical component of the Research Services Division that enables the delivery of the University’s Strategy 2030, Research and Impact Strategy, successful REF performances, and research income targets. The division comprises talented technical professionals working across the university in laboratories, studios, workshops, and field settings.

The technical team includes experimental officers, laboratory technicians, and research technicians focused on various scientific and humanities disciplines. Areas of expertise range from mechanical/electrical engineering, medicine and health, life sciences, social sciences, film, drama & communications, to physics, geology, geography, and beyond.

Biosciences Technician Career Growth Opportunities

As a proud signatory of the Technician Commitment, the University of Exeter is dedicated to raising the visibility, recognition, career development, and sustainability of technical careers. This position forms part of the University’s Technical Career Pathway, offering structured professional development and advancement opportunities.

The University also proudly supports service people as signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, welcoming applications from those with military backgrounds to work in their operationally focused service.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Exeter

The University of Exeter is firmly committed to creating an inclusive culture where all community members can thrive. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff representing 150 different countries, diversity is celebrated as a major institutional strength.

The university actively engages with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender equality (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion), and serves as a Disability Confident employer. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces, ensuring accessibility for all candidates.

Equal Opportunity Statement for Biosciences Technician Role

While all applicants will be judged on merit alone, the University particularly welcomes applications from groups currently underrepresented within their working community, reinforcing their commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Remote Work Policy for Laboratory Technicians

Due to the hands-on nature of this laboratory technician position, this is an on-site role based at the University of Exeter campus. The technical support required for teaching laboratories necessitates physical presence to ensure proper equipment maintenance, laboratory safety, and direct student assistance.

Application Process for University of Exeter Positions

1. Review the complete Job Description and Person Specification available via the application link
2. Submit your application through the University’s online recruitment system
3. If shortlisted, attend an interview at the University of Exeter campus

Visa Sponsorship Information

Please note that due to the minimum salary thresholds imposed by the UKVI, this post will not qualify for university sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Migrant workers must ensure they possess a visa permitting the right to work in the UK. Further details can be found on the Home Office website. Existing Skilled Worker visa holders may be eligible for sponsorship under transitional arrangements, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply for this Biosciences Technical Position

For further information about this laboratory technician role, please contact Dr. Annie Knight at A.Knight@exeter.ac.uk (Technical Manager, Teaching). To submit your application, visit the University of Exeter recruitment portal.

Join the University of Exeter’s technical team and contribute to world-class teaching and research in biosciences while developing your career in a supportive, prestigious academic environment.

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