Technician in Animal and Plant Sciences

Edinburgh Napier’s School of Applied Sciences is recognised for the quality of the educational provision we offer, the employability of our graduates and the international reputation and partnerships we have. We are delighted to be part of an institution recognised as #1 Modern University in Scotland (THE World University Rankings 2023) and #1 University in Edinburgh for Overall Student Satisfaction (NSS 2020, 2021 & 2022) and top Scottish modern university for research power and research impact (REF 2021).

Our excellent specialist laboratory facilities provide both staff and students with a modern environment to deliver excellent research and practical based education. A recent large scale refurbishment of our labs ensures we continue to offer a modern space and excellent resources to all of our students and staff alike.

To support this, we are currently recruiting a Technician in Animal & Plant Sciences to provide essential technical support for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and academic staff.

The Role:

The role of Technician in Animal & Plant Sciences will provide you with the opportunity to assist in the organisation, maintenance and supervision of the Animal and Plant Sciences teaching section. There is also the potential to assist in relevant research, allowing you to expand your knowledge and experience from working in biological sciences (or other relevant subject).

There will be an element of demonstrating and training staff and students in relevant techniques and procedures, as well as organising, setting out & clearing up practical class experiments, so your good working knowledge of lab practices will come in handy here.

You will of course also need to use your knowledge of safety procedures, including COSHH, as part of the role will involve writing COSHH and risk assessment documents, as well as the safe disposal of hazardous solutions and chemicals.

The post will also put you in an excellent position to use your knowledge of handling, identification and preservation of plant, marine, freshwater and terrestrial organisms, to assist with field trips and sample collection (e.g. from woodlands & beaches).

Furthermore, you will be in a position to use your practical knowledge and experience of procedures in Animal and Plant Sciences to prepare, collect and organise materials for practical classes, student projects or research activities.

What we will need from you:

• An honours degree, or equivalent professional experience, in the biological sciences or other relevant subject.
• Practical knowledge and experience of laboratory equipment and procedures in Animal and Plant Sciences
• Knowledge of safety procedures, including COSHH and the safe disposal of hazardous solutions and chemicals
• Willingness to work outside in all weathers and terrain (which requires flexibility with working hours)
• Ability to handle and identify freshwater and terrestrial organisms
• Good IT, numeracy and problem-solving skills including the ability to deal with/react to unforeseen problems or issues

For a full job description and comprehensive list of duties, please click here.

Benefits we offer:

Edinburgh Napier University is a forward-thinking institution, home to forward-thinking people, inspired by the world around us. Join us and you will find that we offer support and recognition wherever due, as well as fantastic benefits such as an attractive pension with employer contributions of 20.8%, a minimum of 36 days holiday and annual pay reviews.

There are professional development opportunities, discounted access to onsite sports facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts. For more information about our wide range of benefits, click here.

Additional information:

Salary: £27,929 - £34,308 (Grade 4)

Closing Date: 25th April 2023

Interviews: Week commencing 8th May 2023