Senior Technician - Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Description

Grade and Salary: G6 (£29,605-£33,965) or G7 (£36,023-£44,263)

FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE

An experienced Electronics Technician is required to provide design, construction and fabrication support in the production and maintenance of specialised bespoke laboratory equipment. The role holder will be involved in supporting research groups of the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering (IGE) within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society.

The successful candidate will work between a number of research laboratories and a technical workshop and will be expected to have a high level of skill in the use of a wide range of electronic test, electronic signal transfer and data acquisition equipment.

The appointment will be made at either GR6 or GR7 level depending on the skills and experience of the preferred candidate.

Part-time and job-share arrangements will be considered for this role.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, construct and install specialised bespoke laboratory apparatus and equipment. (GR7) Individuals appointed at GR6 will be expected to support these activities.
• Investigate novel techniques, materials, etc. to enable research conditions to be established. (GR7) Individuals appointed at GR6 will be expected to support these activities.
• Maintain experimental apparatus and equipment used in research laboratories.
• Identify reasons for apparatus and equipment not functioning as desired and implement correction action.
• Liaise with members of research staff to ensure effective support for research groups activities. (GR7) Individuals appointed at GR6 will be expected to support these activities.
• Liaise with external equipment/material manufacturers regarding the specification, suitability and any alterations required to equipment to ensure the equipment meets all relevant standards prior to arrival on-site .
• Work closely with all members of staff including academic staff, PhD students and other technical services colleagues.
• Report to research teams on the status of all ongoing design, construction and maintenance activities.
• Ensure that health and safety and risk assessment procedures are adhered to in all activities.
• Maintain and upkeep the electronics workshop.
• Assist the Senior Technical Services Manager, Technical Services Manager and other colleagues with general building housekeeping including safety, estate and maintenance.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• Educated to SCQF Level 7-8 (HNC/HND) or an Apprenticeship in electronics plus ideally at least 5 years' post-qualification work experience in a relevant role; or the equivalent comparable relevant work experience. (GR years post-qualification experience expected at GR6)
• Experience of working in electrical engineering.
• Experience in designing and developing apparatus and equipment, preferably in a research environment (GR7 only)
• Ability to take a creative approach to coming up with solutions to meet research needs.
• Experience of maintenance and fault finding of equipment.
• Expert level knowledge of electrical and electronic design, primarily, circuit design, circuit production, fault-finding and repair, with use of diagnostic equipment including; power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes, soldering irons, small hand tools (expert knowledge expected at GR7. Basic knowledge in these areas would be expected at GR6)
• Ability to communicate effectively with academic and technical colleagues, students, external suppliers and industrial sponsors.
• Good understanding of health & safety regulations and procedures and experience of risk assessment, etc.
• Able to work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team.
• Some manual handling will be involved requiring fitness and physical effort.

Desirable Criteria

• Electronics degree
• Ability to design and manufacture precision items of apparatus and equipment (GR7 only)
• Experience of working with instrumentation, specifically temperature and pressure.
• Ability to make accurate detailed drawings.
• Experience of risk assessment, COSHH, Safe Systems of Work, radiation, lasers.
• An aptitude for IT including PCB CAD packages, coding and programming micro controllers.
• Experience with LabView and National Instruments.

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 perform them to at least an effective standard at all times.

Initiative and Problem Solving (GR6)

• Act as first point of contact for queries from customers by phone, email, system-generated and in person
• Identify and implement process improvement.
• React to problems using judgement and past experience to solve non- routine problems referring to line manager when required.
• Carry out compliance/safety checks.
• Carry out appropriate Quality Control within the local environment.
• Through continuous development, use knowledge and experience to operate at a level which is non-routine.
• Advise and assist staff and students in the development, design, preparation, construction, assembly and application of equipment, setting up experiments and /or deployment of particular techniques.
• Utilise technical knowledge and experience in own area to conceptualise, interpret and specify the requirements to the customer
• Diagnose and rectify faults/problems with equipment and procedures.

Initiative and problem solving (GR7)

• Provide advice and guidance to a wide range of customers with different needs on complex and non-standard queries.
• Resolve non-standard problems to reach an effective conclusion.
• Generate original ideas and innovative solutions.
• Advise and assist staff and students in the development, design, preparation, construction, assembly and application of equipment, setting up experiments and /or deployment of particular techniques.
• Utilise technical knowledge and experience in own area to conceptualise, interpret and specify the requirements to the customer.
• Diagnose and rectify faults/problems with equipment and procedures.
• Gather and analyse requirements for systems in order to identify optimum solutions.
• Prepare and deliver training and briefing sessions to provide tools, techniques and support to relevant customers and stakeholders.

Clear and Consistent Communications (GR6)

• Maintain confidentiality at all times by following university policies and guidance in managing confidential information and personal data.
• Write communications relevant to role.
• Draft non-standard communication with sensitive/complex/confidential matters for review and use by more senior members of the team.
• Explain regulations, operating instructions or course information to colleagues.
• Reply to simple requests for information, routing enquiries where information is standard/routine.
• Disseminate news and information to relevant customers and colleagues.
• Carry out practical demonstrations of equipment etc. to a class or cohort of students as required.
• Deliver verbal and written feedback to students on their [progress, course-work, use of equipment] based on pre-set guidance.
• Ensure accurate completion of documentation, records and reports.
• Communicate and liaise with the wider university body as well as users of university services and/or external consultants/suppliers.
• Carry out quantitative and qualitative analyses and contribute to the interpretation of the results.

Clear and Consistent Communications (GR7)

• Maintain confidentiality at all times by following university policies and guidance in managing confidential information and personal data.
• Explain standard procedures, regulations, operating instructions, etc. to a wide range of customers.
• Using all forms of media, including Social Media where appropriate:
  • Write/review papers, guidance and briefings for internal and external audiences and stakeholders.
  • Write letters, emails and other direct communication to individuals and groups
  • Interpret, prepare, analyse and deliver reports.
• Carry out complex quantitative and qualitative analysis and contribute to the interpretation of results.
• Carry out practical demonstrations of equipment etc. to a class or cohort of students as required.
• Deliver verbal and written feedback to students on their [progress, course-work, use of equipment] based on pre-set guidance
• Contribute to publications as required.
• Disseminate news and information to relevant customers and colleagues.
• Ensure accurate completion of documentation, records and reports.
• Communicate and liaise with the wider university body as well as users of university services and/or external consultants/suppliers.

Planning and Organising (GR6)

• Plan, schedule, prioritise and manage own work activities within established procedures and protocols.
• Organise and set up teaching labs and demonstrations as required.
• Provide appropriate support for meetings, technical inspections and large scale events.
• Plan annual programme of routine events.
• Arrange the filing, archive and data destruction in line with the University Data Protection & Retention Policy.
• Carry out a range of specialist technical support tasks to time and quality standards.
• Plan projects and work programmes delegated by the Technical Services Manager.
• Plan the method and approach for [specific] technical/scientific procedures.
• Organise and prioritise access to equipment and tools in conjunction with colleagues.
• Organise installation and trial of manufactured components in close liaison with customers.

Planning and Organising (GR7)

• Plan, prioritise and organise the work or resources of self to ensure the timely delivery of agreed service objectives in line with customer needs and relevant procedures and protocols.
• Plan projects and work programmes delegated by your line manager.
• Plan the method and approach for [specific] technical/scientific procedures.
• Organise and prioritise access to equipment and tools in conjunction with colleagues.
• Organise installation and trial of manufactured components in close liaison with customers.
• Plan, organise, co-ordinate and facilitate meetings, workshops and larger events ensuring effective use of resources and budget.
• Monitor project status and take remedial action where necessary to ensure that projects are delivered on time.
• Assist in the planning and refurbishment of facilities.

Service Excellence (GR6)

• Create a positive image of the University by being responsive, prompt and courteous when responding to requests or enquiries from customers.
• Proactively seek to understand and react to the needs and requirements of the customer.
• Adapt and change service to meet the requirements of the customer.
• Maintain service standards for the team.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of regulations and procedures, (including Health & Safety) and the implications of non-compliance on others.
• Produce reports for management as requested.
• Liaise with internal and external teams, committees, bodies etc. to ensure an effective service.
• Process information as relevant to role, for example, orders, records, payments and other information in accordance with agreed service levels and information security procedures.
• Keep working area clean and tidy in line with appropriate Health and Safety requirements.
• Ensure that the equipment/apparatus/systems etc. in own area are maintained, serviced, back-up and repaired as required, including taking appropriate action to other systems.

Service Excellence (GR7)

• Create a positive image of the University by being responsive, prompt and courteous when responding to requests or enquiries from customers.
• Provide expert technical advice within your area of knowledge and expertise advising on the:
  • Development and application of specialist techniques and/or procedures
  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis and interpretation of results
• Proactively seek to understand and react to the needs and requirements of the customer.
• Work with colleagues within the department to contribute to the continued review and improvement of the service.
• Produce timely reports for senior management as requested.
• Comply with University Policies when managing or processing personal and other confidential information at all times.
• Liaise with internal and external teams, committees, bodies etc. to ensure an effective service.
• Advise staff and students of the applications, techniques and use of specialist equipment.

Team Work (GR6)

• Contribute to and provide support and encouragement across the team.
• Build cooperation and lead by example by demonstrating a flexible approach at all times.
• Participate in working groups and committees within the team, School/Directorate and across the University as required.
• Contribute to collective decisions on Divisional issues through meetings and direct communication with the Supervisor.
• Train team/colleagues in operational activities by providing technical instruction and guidance for students and staff on the appropriate use of equipment as required.
• Cover for other colleagues within the immediate team.

Team Work (GR7)

• Work collaboratively and effectively within your department, sharing expertise and contributing to the development of the department operational plan.
• Build cooperation and set example by demonstrating a flexible approach.
• Participate in working groups within the university and externally if required, sharing ideas, experience and providing technical advice.
• Organise and train team/colleagues in operational activities by providing technical instruction and guidance for students and staff on the appropriate use of equipment as required.
• Cover for other colleagues and managers in the department, including deputising for senior members as appropriate.

Decision Making (GR6)

• Provide advice and guidance, respond to queries and refer more complex queries to more senior members of the team as appropriate.
• Test new equipment/materials/systems /processes/techniques under general instructions.
• Make decisions on technical approach and methods of manufacture.
• Make decisions on selecting appropriate machines, materials, equipment and apparatus
• Make decisions about working safely and how to minimise risks.
• Understand the appropriate tools to use when undertaking day to day tasks.
• Develop and construct equipment/ apparatus/systems to a broad specification.

Decision Making (GR7)

• Provide timely and accurate advice to customers and stakeholders based on your technical knowledge.
• Assess the risks of various options and work with the relevant customer/stakeholder to achieve the optimum outcome.
• Provide technical advice and support to others to enable development of strategy, direction and vision.
• Contribute to the development of teaching and/or research through the designing and testing of apparatus/equipment/systems or usage of specialist machines/equipment or the development of new techniques.
• Mark student papers/assessments on behalf of academic colleagues, working to a pre-set protocol of scores.
• Advise on future physical resource requirements within your area, e.g. general/specific equipment, apparatus, space etc.
• Purchase non-standard consumables or equipment following School policy.
• Negotiate with suppliers regrading prices and deliveries to increase financial efficiency.

Management Responsibilities (GR6)

• 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.
• You may be asked to take on management or supervisor duties on occasion as part of your personal development
• Under the direction of a senior staff member, if required, monitor the budgets of the work area/research area/grant, making sure it operates effectively within budget constraints
• Under the direction of a senior staff member, maintain appropriate stocks and financial records e.g. expenditure, purchasing, equipment.
• Manage specialised equipment or facilities

Management Responsibilities (GR7)

• 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.
• There are no line management responsibilities within this position, but you may be asked to take on management or supervisor duties on occasion as part of your personal development.
• Under the direction of a senior staff member, if required, monitor the budgets of the work area/research area/grant, making sure it operates effectively within budget constraints.
• Under the direction of a senior staff member, maintain appropriate stocks and financial records e.g. expenditure, purchasing, equipment.
• Manage specialised equipment or facilities, ensuring the security of buildings/plan/ machinery within your own working area of responsibility.
• Manage the technical organisation and/or operation of advanced scientific/technical work requiring specialist skills, techniques and/or procedures, typically in support of research activity.

Citizenship

• Demonstrate the University Values at all times through performance and behaviour.
• Participate in ad-hoc duties to support the team/University and for personal development.
• Support newer or inexperienced colleagues within and outside the University by offering support, help and advice.
• 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.

Applications can be submitted until midnight on the 15th March 2024.

Interviews are anticipated to take place week commencing 25th March.

When applying, please include a CV and cover letter addressing these selection criteria.

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.

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 and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers .

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

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