Assistant Technician (Chemical inventory and data systems)

The University of Salford's School of Health, Science and Society is seeking an Assistant Technician (Chemical Sciences – Inventory Systems) to support the implementation of its new laboratory inventory management system (SISO). This fixed-term will focus on creating an accurate digital inventory of chemical stocks across teaching and research laboratories within the Cockcroft Building.Working under the supervision of the Technical Manager and alongside the technical team, the post-holder will audit chemical inventories, verify information using chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and accurately record data within SISO using agreed naming conventions and standards. Responsibilities include recording chemical names, CAS numbers, hazard classifications, storage locations and stock information, while identifying duplicate, obsolete or incomplete records and escalating issues relating to labelling, storage compatibility or stock condition.

This is a detail-oriented requiring a methodical approach to data collection and entry. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with large volumes of information while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Applicants must hold a degree in Chemistry or a related discipline and have knowledge of chemical nomenclature, GHS/CLP hazard classifications, Safety Data Sheets and safe chemical storage practices. Full training will be provided in the use of SISO, local procedures and laboratory safety.The completed inventory will enhance laboratory governance, regulatory compliance, stock management and sustainability, providing a valuable resource to support the School's teaching, research and laboratory operations. T he appointee will join the existing technical team to support the implementation of the School's laboratory chemical inventory management system by auditing chemical holdings, validating information and creating accurate digital records that improve laboratory governance, compliance and operational efficiency. 

Duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Specialist space assistance - Identifies specialist space tasks. Able to use initiative to complete tasks, with guidance and support from senior colleagues where necessary. Reports to senior staff when complete to ensure standard of work
• Equipment maintenance – Follows agreed procedures to maintain equipment. Gathers information to enable durability of equipment 
• Quality assurance (equipment & facilities) - Contributes to the collection of evidence and the conduct of equipment and facility audits or review of activities, processes, or services. Examines records for evidence that appropriate testing and other quality control activities have taken place and completes compliance with organisational directives, standards and procedures. Identifies non-compliances, non-conformances and abnormal occurrences
• Safety and incident management - Follows provided health and safety information. Assists in compliance of health and safety data. Notifies health and safety issues. Following agreed procedures, identifies, registers and categorises incidents. Gathers information to enable incident resolution and promptly allocates incidents as appropriate.
• Customer assistance – Responds to common requests for service by providing information to enable fulfilment. Promptly allocates unresolved calls as appropriate. Maintains records, informs users about the process and advises relevant persons of actions taken
• Sourcing / procuring – Provided with suppliers to source quotations in accordance with university policy. Completes and monitors purchase under guidance
• Perform any other duties appropriate to the grade as may be required by the Dean of School/Director of HANS/ Technician management team etc 
• Where appropriate line manager and/or mentor colleagues of a lower grade. 
• Promote equality and diversity for students and staff and sustain an inclusive study and work environment in accordance with university policy
• To engage in the Technicians Commitment at the university ( please copy into your browser to view

This detail is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake.  It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.  It does not form part of your Contract of Employment.

Skills and experience

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant qualification or equivalent professional experience. (A)

Background & Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a chemistry laboratory or similar environment. (A, I, T)
• Experience maintaining accurate records using spreadsheets, databases or digital systems. (A, I)
• Experience following laboratory health and safety procedures. (A, I)
• Ability to work accurately and methodically on repetitive tasks. (A, I)

Desirable

• Experience checking data for completeness and identifying inconsistencies. (A, I)
• Experience using inventory, stock management or laboratory information systems. (A, I)

Knowledge

Essential

• Laboratory health and safety procedures. (A, I)
• GHS/CLP hazard classification, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and safe chemical storage. (A, I)
• Chemical nomenclature and the importance of accurate inventory management and traceability. (A, I, T)

Assessment Methods: A = Application, I = Interview, P = Presentation, T = Test.

Essential

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. (A, I)
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. (A, I)
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and work independently. (A, I)
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate records, perform repetitive data-entry tasks, and identify and escalate issues relating to chemical records or storage. (A, I, T)

Assessment Methods: A = Application, I = Interview, P = Presentation, T = Test.

Location
University of Salford - Peel campus

Benefits

Candidates working at the University of Salford on internal assignments are entitled to:

• Eye care vouchers when they have been working for 12 weeks and regularly use VDU displays
• Staff car parking rates
• Access to apply for internal job vacancies at the University of Salford
• Access to the University of Salford Library
• Training and development (as per the )
• Additional leave (granted at the discretion of the employer)