Job Description

Role:

Technician : Sport & Exercise Sciences

Grade and Salary:

Grade 5, 26,338 - 30,805 per annum

FTE and working pattern:

1FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday - Friday

Holiday Entitlement:

28 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

Purpose of Role

Heriot-Watt University launched its BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science programme in September 2022. Based on its Edinburgh Campus, the Sport and Exercise Science programme is an exciting collaboration with Oriam, Scotland's National Performance Centre, and is part of a significant University wide investment in Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity research and teaching provision.


We are now seeking to appoint a technician in Sport & Exercise Science to support the delivery of our programme. The successful candidate will be involved in supporting the preparation and running of applied teaching and research projects covering both laboratory and field work. Facilities are available within both Heriot-Watt University and Oriam. As we continue to build our team of technical support in this area, we are seeking to appoint an individual with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:


Sport/Exercise Physiology Biomechanics Sports Engineering and/or Technology

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Ensure the effective running of the Sport & Exercise Science related facilities on a day-to-day basis Plan, set up and prepare undergraduate teaching labs and provide technical instruction and guidance for students and staff. Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment. Set up experimental apparatus and carry out tests under operational conditions To assist in the development of specialised equipment or processes for use in research and teaching. Diagnose faults and undertake repairs/ maintenance on relevant equipment, and apparatus used in research and teaching laboratories Mentor, train and instruct junior staff Understand and acknowledge risks associated with the work activity and always operate in a safe and compliant manner applying control measures identified through risk assessment. Order equipment and consumables Assist with field trips, where required Monitor changes/trends and technical advances/ developments in Sport & Exercise Science and continue to expand and improve skills to keep up with these developments Establish strong working relationships to understand and manage the user demand and requirements, ensuring that the requirements of our teaching programmes and research activities are understood, assessed, and prioritised.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and, particularly as the team is growing, the role holder will be required to be adaptable and undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post : for example support for wider bioscience student laboratories. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential


Educated to SCQF Level 7-8 (HNC/HND) or an Apprenticeship in a relevant subject plus ideally 2 years' post-qualification work experience in a relevant role; or comparable equivalent relevant work experience. Experience of working in a Sport & Exercise Science, or a relevant scientific discipline A clear understanding of practical Sport & Exercise Science teaching and research issues/considerations Ability to use and maintain specialist equipment Ability to understand and capture Sport & Exercise Science data Able to set up a wide range of relevant apparatus/equipment and advise on correct use Able to plan and organise assigned projects/programmes of work. Good technical fault finding and problem-solving skills Experience in providing technical support to undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels Experience in using Microsoft Office and statistical software (e.g., R) Demonstrable willingness and ability to continuously learn and develop new skills in line with changing trends in the technology field. Desirable


A degree in a relevant subject area (or other similar qualification) Appropriate training/qualifications in relevant technical areas Experience in establishing new laboratory facilities. Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice guidance and procedures for human research. Previous experience of working with human tissue.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on

Monday 21

st

July 2025.

Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.


We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.


Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.


Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .


Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.


Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.