Job Purpose

The post holder will join the School of Infection and Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) http://www.cvr.ac.uk/ and will  support the daily technical and operational matters within the Containment Level 3 suites.  The CVR houses three Containment Level (CL)3 Facilities; The Clinical Samples Laboratory (CSL), The MacRobert Blood Borne Virus Laboratory (MacR BBV) and The Richard Elliott Biosafety Laboratories (REBL).  Combined, these facilities underpin world-leading research in a wide variety of human and animal pathogens, including enabling animal and arthropod research.

Working as part of a small team across the Henry Wellcome Complex on the Garscube Campus, and reporting to the REBL CL3 Coordinator, the post holder will have responsibility for the maintenance of laboratory equipment and the efficient running of the suites, including liaising with external engineers and contractors to ensure all day-to-day activities can be carried out.  Also, in conjunction with the CL3 technical team the post holder will provide training for users of the CL3 facilities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide technical and operational support to the CL3 suites ensuring adherence to strict procedures and processes and compliance with legislation for high containment areas handling hazardous pathogens.

2. Maintain all necessary records, ensuring records are accurately recorded to comply with audit requirements.

3. Responsible for the day-to-day housekeeping in the suites including identifying, recording, troubleshooting, reporting and recording any technical faults, infrastructure defects and problems associated with the unique functions of a CL3 facility.

4. Carry out in-house safety critical checks, including laboratory equipment maintenance, ensuring findings and defects are recorded and reported to CL3 Managers in a timely and accurate manner.

5. Liaise with CL3 Managers to co-ordinate the purchase of consumables and equipment.

6. In conjunction with the CL3 Managers, contribute to reviewing and writing standard operating procedures to ensure they are suitable and sufficient for equipment use and maintenance procedures following manufacturer guidelines or as required on an ad hoc basis.

7. In conjunction with the CL3 technical team, deliver specialist technical training within a CL3 environment, adhering to the strict codes of practice and standard operating procedures.

8. In conjunction with the CL3 technical team, co-ordinate and schedule in-house maintenance for CL3 equipment and facilities.

9. Assist with service contracts for CL3 suites, negotiating equipment costs with suppliers, planning preventative schedules, arranging for repairs to equipment and working with engineers to ensure a quick resolution to problems.

10. Responsible for supervising visiting engineers and contractors to the suite, completing on site access and work permits as required.

11. Undertake all aspects of research waste disposal, ensuring adherence to relevant guidelines and operating procedures. Ensure different classifications of Hazard Group 3 waste are processed and recorded accurately and appropriately.

12. Perform a key role during CL3 facility maintenance periods, including preparing areas and equipment to ensure scheduled visits of maintenance personnel can proceed safely and in a timely manner. Assist with equipment validations during maintenance as required.

13. Responsible for stock control, ensuring the sufficient supply of consumables, raising requisitions and liaising with suppliers as required.

14. Provide technical and operational support and perform maintenance for laboratory equipment.

15. Provide out of hours support for emergency call outs as required.

The above duties are not exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the Line Manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each criterion in the format explained below you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Qualifications/Knowledge

Essential:

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework Level 8 (Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 4, Higher National Diploma) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

OR

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.

A2. Up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and procedures, including the hazards associated with using chemicals and disinfectants and an understanding of safe manual handling techniques.

Desirable:

B1. SCQF level 9 (BSc Degree or equivalent) in a relevant Biology-related discipline.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Excellent relevant technical skills and knowledge of disinfection and waste disposal procedures.

C2. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to plan, organise and prioritise work and respond to changing priorities and requirements.

C3. Excellent and accurate record keeping e.g. maintenance and housekeeping logs.

C4. Competent document storage and management through skilled IT use.

C5. Good inter-personal skills and a high level of communication skills.

C6. Ability to work within a team and across groups in a multidisciplinary environment.

C7. Ability to use initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently or as part of a team.

Desirable:

D1. A working knowledge of University policies and procedures.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties of the post, having acquired the necessary knowledge, skills and experience in a similar role.

E2. Experience in preparing and handling chemicals for cleaning and disinfection.

E3. Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret technical requirements associated with the use of equipment in a high-risk area.

E4. Proven experience in laboratory equipment management.

Desirable:

F1. Experience of working in an environment that handles hazardous pathogens.

F2. Experience in autoclaving and/or waste disposal.

F3. Experience of training staff and PhD students.

Additional Details

In line with the CL3 Code of Practice, this role requires candidates to declare non-immunocompromise status. Please confirm this status in your cover letter . If candidates are unable to confirm this status, then a personal risk assessment will be undertaken before a formal employment contract is issued.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,482 - £37,174 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended with funding available up until 31 March 2027.

Informal enquiries about this post may be directed to Annette.Lake@glasgow.ac.uk, CL3 Coordinator

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Closing date: 23:45 on Thursday 17th April 2025

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/.

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