Salary: Grade 5 (£25,138- £29,605)

Contract: Full-time (35 hours a week), Open-Ended

Detailed description

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 and 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. 

Education, Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be based.

Essential

1. 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.
2. Experience of working in a Sport & Exercise Science, or a relevant scientific discipline
3. A clear understanding of practical Sport & Exercise Science teaching and research issues/considerations
4. Ability to use and maintain specialist equipment
5. Ability to understand and capture Sport & Exercise Science data
6. Able to set up a wide range of relevant apparatus/equipment and advise on correct use
7. Able to plan and organise assigned projects/programmes of work.
8. Good technical fault finding and problem-solving skills
9. Experience in providing technical support to undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels
10. Experience in using Microsoft Office and statistical software (e.g., R)
11. Demonstrable willingness and ability to continuously learn and develop new skills in line with changing trends in the technology field.
12. Well-developed interpersonal skills
13. Demonstrable excellent customer service
14. Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly, and accurately in a dynamic, changing, and pressured environment
15. Demonstrable professional and proactive approach

Desirable:

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

Competencies, Tasks and Responsibilities 

The tasks and responsibilities listed under the following Competency Headings form part of all technical roles in the University at this level and it is expected that the role-holder will always perform them to at least an effective standard.

Teamwork

1. Contribute to and provide general support across the team
2. Participate in working groups and committees within the team, School/Directorate as required
3. Contribute to collective decisions on team/discipline issues through meetings and direct communication with the line manager. 
4. Train team/colleagues in operational activities by providing technical instruction and guidance for students and staff on the appropriate use of equipment as required
5. Carry out practical demonstrations of equipment, etc., to a class or cohort of students as required
6. Cover for other colleagues within the immediate team

Service Excellence 

1. Create a positive image of the University by being responsive, prompt, and courteous when responding to requests or enquiries from customers 
2. Maintain service standards for the team 
3. Produce standard and ad hoc reports as requested
4. Enter and maintain records and data into the appropriate university system 
5. Comply with University Policies when always managing or processing personal and other confidential information
6. Develop and refine designs from limited or incomplete information 
7. Liaise with internal and external teams, committees, bodies etc. to ensure an effective service
8. Carry out general lab duties and maintain lab equipment.
9. Keep working area clean and tidy in line with appropriate H&S requirements
10. Ensure that equipment/apparatus/systems etc in your area are maintained, serviced, backed-up and repaired as required, reporting any issues to your manager 

Clear and Consistent Communications 

1. Always maintain confidentiality by following university policies and guidance in managing confidential information and personal data
2. Explain regulations, operating instructions or other information to colleagues and students
3. Reply to simple requests for information, routing enquiries where information is standard/routine.
4. Write standard communications using templates, understanding what parts of the template to use as appropriate
5. Draft non-standard communication for review and use by more senior members of the team
6. Disseminate news and information to relevant customers and colleagues
7. Collect and analyse data and report results where necessary

Planning and Organising

1. Plan, schedule, prioritise and manage own work activities within established procedures and protocols
2. Organise and set up teaching labs and demonstrations as required
3. Plan, set-up and implement field work
4. Provide appropriate support for technical inspections 
5. File, archive and destroy data in line with the University Data Protection & Retention Policy
6. Support School/Directorate and team processes and procedures by meeting schedules and timetables
7. Plan projects and work programmes delegated by the Supervisor 
8. Plan the method and approach for relevant technical/scientific procedures
9. Organise and prioritise access to equipment and tools in conjunction with colleagues
10. Organise installation and trial of manufactured components in close liaison with customers

Initiative and Problem Solving

1. Act as first point of contact for queries from customers by phone, email, system-generated and in person
2. Identify and support process improvement
3. React to problems using judgement and experience to solve routine issues 
4. Carry out compliance/safety checks
5. Decipher verbal instructions, drawings, electronic media and propose solutions where information is inaccurate or incomplete 
6. Diagnose faults/problems, identify solutions and effect suitable repairs/fixes

Decision Making

1. Provide advice and guidance, respond to queries, and refer more complex queries to more senior members of the team as appropriate, or where unfamiliar technologies make it necessary
2. Understand the appropriate tools to use when undertaking day to day tasks 
3. Make decisions on technical approach and methods of manufacture 
4. Make decisions on selecting appropriate machines, materials, equipment and apparatus
5. Make decisions about working safely and how to minimise risks

Management Responsibilities

1. Mentor junior staff and engage with training and instruction of apprentices, other non-specialist staff and students in line with a philosophy of encouraging skills improvement and development.
2. You may be asked to take on management or supervisory duties on occasion as part of your personal development

Citizenship

1. Always demonstrate the University Values through performance and behaviour
2. Participate in ad-hoc duties to support the team/University and for personal development
3. Support newer or inexperienced colleagues within and outside the University by offering support, help and advice 
4. Positively promote the University internally and externally through positive behaviour and supporting University-wide activities

This job description is intended as a flexible framework which outlines the key general areas of activity in your position. Other activities may be required which are not outlined above but which are appropriate to the position and grade. Your personal objectives (Forward Job Plan) will also set out specific tasks and objectives for you to achieve, including objectives to help your career development.

About Heriot-Watt University                   

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business, and languages. 

With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for business and industry. We connect with industry at every level and develop programmes to match their needs – so employers get work-ready industry-fit graduates. 

Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort. 

We have an established set of values that help us to nurture innovation and leadership and show our commitment to continuous improvement and development in all our activities.

For full details on our university please view our Careers at Heriot-Watt http://www.hw.ac.uk/about/careers-at-heriot-watt.htm

About our Team                           

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society is one of the UK's leading institutions for multidisciplinary research in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. We aim to attain excellence in the teaching of the core disciplines that contribute to a sustainable, resource and energy efficient society and are committed to undertaking high value, high impact research and knowledge transfer in topics of relevance to global challenges. 

The School enjoys facilities consistent with its location in modern, purpose-built accommodation on the Edinburgh campus. The School is well-equipped in respect of laboratories for materials, structures, engineering, building services and hydraulics research and teaching. Our research and teaching facilities in Dubai and Malaysia are contained within purpose-built campuses in Dubai Academic City and Putrajaya, respectively.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on 19th May

Interviews will take place w/c 27th May

Applicants must make their submission via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system and include a current CV and a cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Sean McMenamy, Senior Technical Services Manager: S.L.McMenamy@hw.ac.uk

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/ .

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

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.