Junior Laboratory Technician

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The holder of this post will be responsible for the maintenance of the Psychology Laboratory and resources associated with the DBS suite of Psychology programmes. The role involves providing support to staff and students for research activities and classroom activities related to research methods, including the use of physical and digital/virtual laboratory resources.

Job purpose

To be responsible for the maintenance of the Psychology Laboratory, and for overseeing the laboratory use and space generally. Demonstrate expertise in the operation and use of Macs/PCs, of MOODLE, SPSS, NVIVO, OpenSesame and other software programmes routinely used in Psychology, e.g., alternative analysis platforms such as R.

The post holder will be responsible for administering Psychology’s test library, assisting staff and students with the design of computer based experiments and surveys, contributing to the Psychology Laboratory blog, providing undergraduate and postgraduate support for laboratory and research-based activities, qualitative and quantitative data analysis and research.

The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of the role.

The duties and responsibilities, and the balance between the elements in the role, may change or vary over time, particularly throughout the Academic Year.

• To support the efficient and safe running of the Psychology Laboratory including Health and Safety protocols.

• To assist in the development, programming and use of specialised equipment, software or processes in research and teaching. For example, EEG/ERP, Virtual Reality, biopacs, observation and recording equipment, human-technology interaction, E-Prime etc.

• To undertake and co-ordinate maintaining, upgrading, optimising and integration of laboratory equipment.

• To ensure the ongoing review of standard operating procedures and collating and reviewing risk assessments within the Psychology Laboratory.

• To support academics and researchers in the testing of participants as part of ongoing research or teaching within the department.

• To develop systems and maintain records of laboratory and equipment bookings, and equipment maintenance.

• To be responsible for the overall maintenance of the laboratory in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager.

• To assist visitors to the laboratories including consultancy arrangements, visiting researchers, and others.

• To engage in teaching related activities to support lecturers on relevant modules.

• To undertake any other tasks that may reasonably be requested by the Laboratory Technician or Faculty Manager.

In performance of all these duties there is a need for discretion and confidentiality, as well as a need to be able to establish effective working relationships with other members of the Psychology Faculty; and to present a positive image of the College to outside organisations and their representatives. As the suite of Psychology programmes grows there may inevitably be changes in the way it operates. It may therefore be necessary to review duties and responsibilities as they arise within the technical support pool. It is hoped that this will provide staff with a positive opportunity for personal development and progression and therefore a flexible approach is essential.

Essential:
PSI or equivalent psychology undergraduate qualification.
Experience of experimental design, psychology or scientific research, SPSS and NVivo.

Desirable:
Level 9 Master’s qualification in psychology or related discipline.
Hands on experience with psychology research equipment and apparatus.
OpenSesame experiment software, Python and Javascript programming, experience with biofeedback apparatus, Powerlab, R.
Teaching experience.

Pay & Benefits

The salary for this role is DOE.

• Free Internal Courses;

• Discounted Fees for Family Members;

• Life Assurance & Disabilities Cover;

• Sports & Social;

• Employee Assistance Programme;

• Employee Discount Scheme;

• Paid sick leave;

• Death-In-Service Benefit.

This job description is a guide to the work the post holders will initially be required to undertake. It may be amended from time to time to meet changing circumstances by mutual agreement. It is expected that the post-holders and their manager will review the job description regularly.

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This job description is a guide to the work the post holder will initially be required to undertake. It may be amended from time to time to meet changing circumstances by mutual agreement. It is expected that the job description will be reviewed regularly by the post-holder and their manager.

DBS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. If you require any adjustments or additional support within the recruitment process, please contact us directly.