Technician
Job Description
Location: Brighton, UK
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 36.5 hours per week (up to 1 FTE). Flexible working requests welcomed and considered based on business need.
Salary: Grade 4 — £25,733 to £29,179 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Join Our Specialist Health & Safety Team
We are looking for a proactive and technically-minded individual to support laboratory health and safety across our School of Life Sciences. This permanent position offers an opportunity to work closely with our Health & Safety team, academic staff, and technical colleagues to ensure our labs and specialist facilities are safe, compliant, and well-managed.
You will help maintain a strong safety culture, especially around hazardous substances, and support compliance with key regulations such as COSHH and DSEAR.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
Maintain up-to-date chemical inventories and support the safe handling of hazardous materials
Coordinate minor works and contractor visits in lab environments
Track safety actions and inspection follow-ups
Assist with the development of risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Contribute to inspections and ongoing safety monitoring
Manage and organize relevant safety data, reports, and documentation
Full training will be provided on scientific safety legislation. However, previous experience working in a lab or handling hazardous substances is highly desirable.
About You
We’re seeking someone who is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and able to work collaboratively. Ideally, you will have:
Experience in laboratory operations or hazardous substance management
Awareness of UK regulations such as COSHH and DSEAR
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
The ability to manage multiple tasks with a methodical and solution-focused mindset
A genuine commitment to health, safety, and good practice in scientific environments
About the School of Life Sciences
The School of Life Sciences is a vibrant hub of multidisciplinary research, education, and engagement. Our academic departments span biochemistry, neuroscience, ecology, chemistry, and more. We are home to key research centres such as:
Genome Damage and Stability Centre
Sussex Sustainability Research Programme
We are proud holders of a Silver Athena Swan Award, recognising our commitment to gender equality and inclusive working environments.
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, over 90% of our outputs in Biological Sciences and over 84% in Chemistry were rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
Learn more about our School and what makes us unique:
School of Life Sciences – University of Sussex
Why Work With Us?
Our campus sits on the edge of the South Downs National Park, offering beautiful surroundings, easy commuting, and excellent facilities. We’re just five minutes from Falmer train station, with bus routes and cycling paths right on campus.
Sussex is a research-led, international university where people matter. Whether you’re supporting students, research, or operations, your contribution is valued here.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We particularly welcome applications from women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently underrepresented in STEMM roles at Sussex.
Read more about our equality, diversity and inclusion values.
Additional Information
Informal queries: Contact Matthew Pope at matthew.pope@sussex.ac.uk
Start date: As soon as possible
Interview date: To be confirmed
Applicants must be able to work in the UK
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position (Skilled Worker Visa criteria)
Some applicants may require ATAS clearance, depending on nationality and research area
Ready to Apply?
Visit our University of Sussex vacancies page to view the full job description and submit your application.
Applications close: Tuesday 2 July 2025 at 5:59 PM (BST)
