Job Purpose
The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) within the School of Infection and Immunity is seeking to appoint a Laboratory Assistant to support the containment level 2 insectary laboratories and the washroom within the CVR. The postholder will also be required to provide operational support for the Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratories in the CVR on an ad hoc basis.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. As a member of the insectary and washroom team, to strictly adhere to processes and procedures.
2. Prepare insectary material such as feeding capsules, cages, pans and nets for washing.
3. Transfer insectary materials on a daily basis to and from the washroom for handwashing, machine washing and sterilising as required.
4. Replenish insectary stock and uplift/replace autoclave bins.
5. Process insectary material and waste in the washroom.
6. Operation of washing machines, autoclaves and sterilising ovens.
7. Disposal of general waste from the insectaries.
8. Prepare disinfectant, sugar bottles and food aliquots according to standard operating procedures.
9. Clean and prepare feed boxes and food for autoclaving.
10. Prepare non-infectious solutions within a microbiological safety cabinet.
11. Carry out day-to-day and monthly housekeeping duties according to insectary guidelines.
12. Decontaminate waste material as set out in the CVR Waste Management Guidance.
13. Liaise with the Waste Contractor during uplift of waste and monitor the disposal of waste.
14. Work as part of a team in the CL3 laboratories and washroom to provide operational support on an ad hoc basis.
15. Assist the Washroom Supervisor with management of stock levels and ordering through MVLS stores.
16. Check and replace nitrogen cylinders as required, taking delivery of cylinders, and liaising with the building and operations Managers on stock levels.
17. Provide support to the Electron Microscopy facility by dispensing liquid nitrogen into transport vessels.
18. Dispensing of liquid nitrogen and carrying out monthly checks of personal oxygen depletion monitor located in the cryo freezer park.
19. Undertake any relevant training as required.
This is not an exhaustive list but highlights a number of the key tasks, which the post holder may be reasonably expected to perform.
Please note that a part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each criteria, then you will not be shortlisted for interview.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Qualifications
Essential
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification framework level 4 in English and Mathematics (National 4) or equivalent qualification and experience of working in a similar role;
Or
A2 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.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
C1 Knowledge of laboratory washroom washing procedure and autoclaving.
C2 Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, including hazards associated in preparing and handling chemicals for cleaning and disinfection.
C3 Ability to communicate clearly with colleagues and contractors.
C4 Flexible and enthusiastic approach to work.
C5 Strong ability to work as part of a team and independently.
C6 Self-motivated and able to manage time efficiently.
C7 Good organisational skills.
C8 Ability to use initiative and good judgement to solve problems.
C9 Ability to handle tasks of a repetitive nature.
C10 Ability to follow instructions.
Experience
Essential
E1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required, to undertake the duties associated with this level of post, through appropriate relevant experience in a similar role.
E2 Experience in preparing and handling chemicals for cleaning and disinfecting.
Desirable
F1 Experience of working within an insectary.
F2 Experience of safe working procedures within a microbiological safety cabinet.
Additional Details
This post is full-time, 08:00 to 16:00 hours, Monday to Friday.
Informal enquires about this post may be directed to Joyce Mitchell, (
[email protected])
Closing date - 28 February 2023
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 3, £20,400 - £21,197 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 5 years
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
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/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.