Science Technician

Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning. Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation have a vital part they play in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation. Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing through our Technical Network.

Technical colleagues support a wide range of specialist resources across the Colleges of Arts, Humanities and Education, College of Science and Engineering and the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, resource HUB's, workshops, controlled environments, clinical suites, media studios and Derby Theatre. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE).

As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.

Many of our highly skilled technical staff members hold PhDs and Degrees in disciplines associated with the specialisms they deliver. An increasing number of our technicians have been recognised for their contribution to teaching and student support as Fellows and Associate Fellows of Advance HE. A number also hold professional accreditation status through organisations such as the Science Council, which establishes knowledge, understanding and competence.

The main purpose of this role is to provide scientific technical support for teaching, research, outreach and academic enterprise in Biological Science. You will work with the technical team to liaise with academic staff to ensure full technical support for teaching, course development, academic enterprise, outreach and research.

Your main responsibility will be providing technical support in the insectary and undergraduate and postgraduate teaching classes. This will involve the breeding and maintenance of our insectary collection and demonstrating scientific techniques in relevant practicals (if workload permits). The role also requires supporting the successful completion of student laboratory and fieldwork projects, such as checking methodology, completing health and safety documentation, and training on relevant techniques/equipment.

Trainee technicians/student helpers may need to be trained and supervised in the general upkeep of laboratory and specialist spaces. Local compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and policies must be kept, with completing appropriate risk assessments.

You will be based onsite to support academics and students, and may occasionally be needed to support out of hours outreach or animal maintenance and welfare.

Due to signing the technician commitment, the university has pledged to support the career development of technicians and offers support for attending technician development courses (such as via HEATED) or becoming a Fellow or Associate Fellow of Advanced Higher Education.

This role is part time, 18.5 hours per week.

You should have relevant experience in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Biological Sciences/Forensic Science) and/or a degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

You will have the ability to develop standard operating procedures for practical classes and have excellent and proven verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively to students and staff. You must have the ability to plan and monitor your own workload, operating both alone and as part of a team, and demonstrable high level of organisational and practical skills. You will also have good working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety including risk assessments and COSHH.

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home of STEM: the skills that are essential to the UK's Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too.

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, data science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and psychology - we are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.

School of Science

The School of Science brings together three key subject areas; Environmental Sciences, Biomedical and Forensic Science and Psychology. The School has strong links with key external agencies including the University Hospitals for Derby and Burton NHS Trust who support the Biomedical Sciences IBMS provision as well as research collaborations. The School also works with regional forensic science agencies including the police and private forensic science labs as well as numerous environmental agencies locally, nationally and internationally focusing on conservation, habitat management and environmental regeneration.