Job Description

Technician - Faculty Flexible Deployment

(

Job Number:

25001012

)

Social Sciences Faculty Office
Grade 4: - 24,843 - 25,733 per annum
Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time

Contracted Hours per Week

:

35

Closing Date

:

14-Aug-2025, 5:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement

:

Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other.


Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.


We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.


Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.

The Role and the Department

This exciting new role has been created to provide a unique opportunity to explore interests and develop interdisciplinary laboratory skills across a range of departments within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The technician will work flexibly across social science disciplines and departments within the faculty to support the day to day running of research, teaching and commercial laboratories. This full-time role will include a 50 percent allocation of time to the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, with the remaining time split between the Departments of Geography, Archaeology, Education and Anthropology as need dictates. It is anticipated that within the first year of the position that alongside 50 percent of time spent working in Sport and Exercise Sciences, allocated blocks of time will be spent within other faculty departments with training provided in discipline specific laboratories. Once initial developmental training has been completed the role will become more responsive to departmental needs, alongside 50 percent of time spent in Sport and Exercise Sciences.


Durham University has been a proud signatory of the Technician Commitment since 2019, and our Phase 2 Action Plan (2025-2027) was launched earlier this year. In line with the six pillars of activity within the action plan, the role holder's career development will be shaped and supported with an enhanced training package; this will be tailored to the needs of the faculty, but also the interests of the individual. More information on the action plan can be found on our Technician Commitment web pages: Technician Commitment - Durham University.


Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days per year. No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16. Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. We offer generous pension schemes.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.


As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.


We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:

Qualifications/Experience

1. Five GCSE's at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including Science/Physical Education, English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
2. Experience of working in a technical environment setting up resources, tools and equipment to meet teaching and research outputs or having relevant qualifications for the role.


3. Experience of working in a team providing advice and guidance to colleagues and customers.


4. Experience of managing time and prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

5. Good spoken and written communication skills.


6. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools, MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint and Microsoft 365 applications (in particular Teams and MS Forms)


7. Knowledge relevant to the role ideally supported by relevant courses or certifications, e.g. Health and Safety, First Aid, Fire Warden training


8. Committed to continuing professional development.


9. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.


10. Knowledge and ability to support with the creation of risk assessments, SOPs, COSHH and other laboratory based safety processes


11. Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

12. Specialist laboratory skills such as the ability to run LOI tests, prep Isotopic samples for analysis


13. An A level in Physical Education or other relevant subject OR a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport Science or a related subject or equivalent experience.

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don't forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).


While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails

What you are required to submit:

A CV A document which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification A brief covering letter outlining your interest and skills suited to the role

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Dr Beth Upex would be happy to speak to you beth.upex@durham.ac.uk

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery

Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role. Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues with things relevant to your role and provide information and updates to help your team find solutions. Collect, organise and record data and information accurately and provide reports as required. When carrying out your role, use and apply relevant professional and regulatory standards for example in relation to Health and Safety Draft and distribute subject specific technical information. Provide guidance to others to make sure technical equipment is used safely. Follow and provide guidance on health and safety requirements which are relevant to your role.

Teaching and Learning Support

Set-up and prepare equipment and resources within to carry out teaching, research and learning activities. Contribute to the construction and/or repair of tools and equipment under the supervision of more experienced staff. Provide instruction and demonstrations to others within laboratory settings and oversee the safe use of a wide range of physical and digital equipment and tools. Liaise with academic staff and students to identify practical resources and equipment necessary to meet teaching, research and commercial outputs.

Teamwork

Help your colleagues to organise, plan and prepare for events and meetings and contribute to team planning activities. Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members. Help your colleagues to carry out regular safety checks including visual inspections and statutory requirements Help your team provide safe secure and appropriate research, teaching and learning resources and facilities Help to carry out and complete risk assessments and follow established procedures when responding to potentially harmful situations.

Communication/Liaison

Seek feedback from staff and students on their requirements from your service to ensure that their reasonable expectations are being met. Record information e.g. lab and equipment bookings, and respond to queries which you receive. Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way. Liaise with internal and external technical networks, contractors and suppliers, contacts and professional bodies where appropriate
Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.


When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.