CTL Laboratory Manager (Metallurgy & Materials)

The CTL Laboratory Manager (Metallurgy & Materials) will be responsible for all aspects relating to the performance and management of the undergraduate teaching laboratories within the Metallurgy & Materials building. The post-holder will support the delivery of effective and efficient day-to-day management and organisation of the lab which includes technical support, administration, operational management, health & safety compliance and technical management. The role holder will ensure that expert in-lab support is provided, to ensure that all aspects of practical labs run well according to the Academic timetabled commitments and that the student experience is high. They will collaborate with Academic teaching staff from the School of Metallurgy and Materials to assist in the development and modification of practical lab sessions, providing advice and guidance on what can be achieved within the CTL (Metallurgy & Materials).

The role holder will need to feel comfortable operating in a fast-paced and busy laboratory environment. They will need the ability to work under minimal supervision using their initiative to make decisions. Flexibility (including around hours of work to meet the Academic timetabled commitments) and a willingness to learn new skills will be essential. This role is part of a wider team of dedicated staff supporting the provision of specialist practical teaching facilities. There will be times when the role holder may be required to work across different CTL managed areas across the Edgbaston campus. They will provide direct line management of technical staff, and even where they do not directly supervise staff they will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.

The role holder will develop an understanding of the requirements to deliver undergraduate and taught postgraduate lab sessions, student recruitment events, and Outreach events. This will include monitoring the provision of equipment and consumables. They will be expected to develop an in-depth understanding of all main subject areas supported by the teaching laboratories, to be able to respond quickly and positively to changes in protocols, troubleshoot problems and optimise protocols to ensure a positive student experience.

IN-LAB SUPPORT

To provide daily in-lab operational support to teaching staff using the lab space to ensure that practical aspects of the lab sessions are delivered free from equipment breakdowns, a lack of consumables, etc.

For unforeseen issues, to trouble-shoot and respond to problems which may occur during practical sessions.

To provide laboratory inductions to lab users and to train and instruct in the correct operation of teaching facilities. These lab users principally include Academic teaching staff and Post Graduate Teaching Assistants (PGTA) who supervise/teach students during lab sessions.

To assist CTL partner Schools with the development of new practical labs, and improvement of existing practical labs, through proactively putting forward suggestions to ensure that lab sessions make best use of relevant CTL spaces and equipment. This will involve trialling and refining lab sessions (including individual experiments) and setting up mock sessions to test set-up and in-lab experience.

Identify and report building-related problems, working closely with the Building Superintendent and local Facilities teams, acting as a local point of contact as required.

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT (INCLUDING EQUIPMENT)

To implement and refine safe and effective workflow and operational procedures including the testing and modifying of student protocols for preparation, set-up and clear-away.

To assist in the preparation of the CTL requests to the EPS Equipment and Facilities committee for the procurement of new and replacement equipment and infrastructure. This may include arranging for the demonstration of equipment, obtaining quotations and assisting with procurement processes.

Ensure that all equipment within the CTL Metallurgy and Materials is fit for purpose and is maintained to a satisfactory standard. Undertake and coordinate maintenance, repair, calibration and cleaning of equipment in-house where safe and feasible to do so.

Collaborate with the wider CTL Operations Team to manage and plan the timetabling for CTL managed space and equipment for the laboratory (both timetabled taught lab session, student recruitment events and time and set-up/clear-away) making efficient use of the teaching facility from a scheduling and utilisation perspective.

To monitor a budget for consumables and equipment repair, providing reports as required.

Proactively maintain lab stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems. Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.

Ensuring that your area of responsibility is maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.

To calculate full economic costs for facility use and to prepare utilisation reports.

Promote the CTL to potential external clients, exploring opportunities for use and likely cost.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND LABORATORY MANAGEMENT

To provide advice and guidance on all issues relating to health and safety (in collaboration with other safety related staff where appropriate).

Ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place (and available) and assist in the production/updating of these documents (e.g. risk assessments may include General, Chemical Hazard Risk Assessment, Laser and Radiation, etc.). Monitor that specified control measures are being followed and to stop any unsafe activity observed.

To be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the laboratory including ensuring that regular statutory checks (e.g. Local Exhaust Ventilation and Fume Cupboards, Radiation, Legionella, PAT etc.) are completed and that high standards of housekeeping are maintained.

Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the H&S Coordinator. Ensure that all accidents, incidents and near misses are reported, taking any actions required to prevent reoccurrence.

Ensure that the Laboratory infrastructure remains fit-for-purpose and in good condition, working with local building management and Estates Maintenance to explore opportunities for small scale works and to resolve any faults.

To manage laboratory security controlling access with the Building Superintendent.

Support the local Hazardous Waste Coordinator to ensure that the correct waste disposal stream is followed, as governed by College and University policy.

Postholders will be asked to undergo training as a First Aider and Fire Warden.

Provide support to the H&S Coordinators with regards to monitoring H&S compliance with University policies and adopt best practice for their area of responsibility.

Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

Provide direct line management support, setting duties and monitoring progress.

To provide support, guidance and work closely to manage staff in relation to working requirements, working environment, staff wellbeing and identifying any training requirements as appropriate.

In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.

Maintain records of education and training, being proactive in developing staff technical and wider skills base.

Conduct Performance Development Reviews and make any recommendations for reward.

Assist in the local recruitment & selection of new/replacement CTL roles.

Supports equality and values diversity, moderate their own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others. Contribute to diversity and inclusion activities in the CTL and Colleges, assisting with the delivery of diversity and inclusion action plans as required.

OTHER

To act as an ambassador for the CTL and to promote the operational and strategic aims.

To support and deputise for the Head of Operations as appropriate.

To complete any reasonable duties as required that are commensurate with grade.

Contribute to cross Institute/-School/-College/-university initiatives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION — ESSENTIAL

Extensive experience of similar laboratory-based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment, equivalent professional qualification, or degree in a relevant STEM field.

Applicants must have technical experience in the management of Health and Safety.

Applicants must have technical experience in an appropriate discipline relevant to the teaching facility and in-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.

Competence in Microsoft Office applications including Teams/SharePoint. The postholder should also be confident and willing to learn new software packages quickly to support, inform and improve operational effectiveness.

Aptitude to prioritise own workload and to complete all tasks accurately and to a routinely high standard, even when working to challenging and/or conflicting deadlines.

Capability to manage own workload autonomously and work as effective team member with flexibility.

Experience managing technical staff, as well as experience of laboratory management.

Commitment to continuous service improvements through personal, team and career development.

Understand the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.

Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

PERSON SPECIFICATION — DESIRABLE

An IOSH/NEBOSH General Certificate or similar is desirable. The role holder will be expected to obtain this qualification within the first two years of employment.

A Science Council Professional Registration or a HEA associate Fellowship/Fellowship.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Scientific knowledge and technical ability.

Presentation skills – ability to present information to groups of people verbally and using PowerPoint.

Self-motivated and adaptable with the ability to exercise initiative and work independently or as part of a team. Strong organisational skills are a must.

Significant previous experience in a relevant technical role within HE.

Proven ability in managing teaching laboratory facilities with evidence of devising and implementing service improvements.

Experience of managing health and safety in a busy multi-hazard environment including (but not limited to) chemical and mechanical hazards, knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Practical experience of managing a broad range of laboratory equipment including (but not limited to) arranging service contracts and fault-finding.

Experience of forward planning and time management (including timetabling).

Experience of providing training to students and staff in the safe use of equipment and suggesting ways to optimize results.

Experience of assisting with the design, construction and testing of new teaching experiments.