Electrical,Mechanical Engineering Technician Visa Sponsorship Uk
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Life Sciences (DLS) is looking for a full-time (1.0 FTE) technician with electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration experience to help maintain and repair its scientific infrastructure.
DLS maintains a wide variety of scientific equipment, including controlled environments, freezer and cold rooms, aquaria, glasshouses, boats, autoclaves, ultra-low temperature freezers, water purification systems, glassware washers, incubators, furnaces, small laboratory equipment, microbiological safety cabinets, spectrophotometers, analytical instruments, exercise equipment, and much more.
This full-time position will assist with teaching and research initiatives within the DLS. An ideal candidate would have prior experience working in the higher education sector, as well as knowledge of electrical systems, general fabrication, laboratory equipment repairs, refrigeration systems (including cascade systems), and the nature of working in high containment laboratories.
The role is critical to ensuring a functional and safe scientific infrastructure. At any given time, the Department of Life Sciences teaches approximately a thousand undergraduate students in a variety of subject areas, including Agriculture, Animal and Equine Science, Biological Sciences, Ecological Sciences, Human Biology and Health, Sport and Exercise Science, and Veterinary Science. It also offers a diverse range of teaching and research postgraduate programmes, including MSc, MRes, and PhD degrees. The department also employs several research scientists. All of these activities require a well-maintained infrastructure.
Although the selected applicant will be based in the Edward Llwyd Building, the Department’s activities take place across multiple buildings and campuses, and driving is a requirement of the job.
The chosen candidate will join an established larger scientific technical team and will collaborate to support the Department’s teaching and research goals across all disciplines.
For casual inquiries, please email Robert Darby at rmd@aber.ac.uk.
Appointments are typically scheduled within four to eight weeks following the closing date.
What will you do?
This job description is subject to review and revision in light of the University’s changing needs, to provide adequate growth opportunities, and/or to include any additional acceptable duties.
The position will help to support the department’s basic scientific infrastructure, allowing for better teaching and research. An ideal candidate will have experience with a variety of maintenance and repair disciplines.
Autoclaves, plant growth chambers, centrifuges, glasshouse systems, microbiological safety cabinets, ventilation systems, air handling units, refrigeration systems, fridges, freezers (including ultra-low temperature units), air compressors and vacuum pumps are among the equipment that must be maintained, repaired or manufactured. Much of the equipment is remotely monitored, so you’ll spend considerable time reviewing remote monitoring systems and responding to alarms.
The successful applicant must have mechanical abilities and knowledge, be familiar with electrical safety, comprehend electrical theory, and have an adequate practical qualification in refrigeration technology. The post holder is expected to be knowledgeable about control systems and PLC controllers. The process may also include software installation and configuration.
The role is diverse in nature, and the successful candidate must be adaptable and imaginative in order to face the day-to-day difficulties. The individual will need to work alone and take the initiative to address challenges. In addition, the individual will collaborate with other scientific infrastructure technicians and lab supervisors to complete tasks. The worker may also be expected to supervise junior employees or trainees. The individual will be expected to collaborate closely with an Engineering Technician at the Institute of Biological, Environmental, and Rural Sciences (IBERS), sharing best practices, methods, and ideas.
The individual must communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical departments of suppliers, external engineers, contractors, the AU Estates department (including the Compliance Manager), the AU Health and Safety team, academic staff, technical staff, scientific staff, and students.
The individual will be needed to manage a small workshop, ensuring that it is stocked with necessary consumables and that it and its equipment are maintained and operated in a safe manner. The individual will also be required to complete and maintain current risk assessments for the workshop and the work being done.
On occasion, the post holder will be expected to lead small initiatives and take the initiative to propose new technologies or ways of working. It is expected that the post holder will build connections with those performing comparable tasks at the University and other educational institutions.
As a member of a larger scientific technical team, the post holder will occasionally be asked to assist with aspects of practical instruction. This will also cover the upkeep and setting of the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory’s audiovisual system.
The individual will be knowledgeable in portable appliance testing and familiar with the relevant legislation. The person will be in charge of keeping electrical testing records for portable equipment and collaborating with other specialists to ensure that tests are up to date.
The person will be aware of the WEEE regulations and will arrange for the disposal of equipment in accordance with them. This will also involve the disposal of refrigerants and other hazardous compounds resulting from equipment repairs and maintenance.
In addition to the physical hazards associated with the task, the individual must comprehend the dangers posed by the scientific study being conducted, such as microbiological risks, radiation risks, and working practices to prevent inadvertent GM and pathogen release.
The employee will be expected to work flexible hours and respond to after-hours calls in response to alerts. This will require the individual to be on call, monitor alarm systems, and respond to problems after hours. Weekend and after-hours work may be required on occasion in order to complete scheduled maintenance.
The successful applicant will be required to prepare reports, instructional materials, and operational procedures.
Where a skills gap is detected for the successful applicant, relevant training will be provided to help them acquire the essential abilities.
Specific responsibilities to include:
- Manage/perform routine servicing and testing on refrigeration equipment, pressure systems, cylinder regulators, microbiological safety cabinets, and working at height equipment.
- Manage the department’s Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) programme, including database management and test equipment calibration.
- Conduct PAT testing, coordinate with other PAT testers, and provide hands-on PAT testing instruction to others.
- Manage, update, and manage the department’s asset register.
- Arrange for the disposal of surplus assets in accordance with applicable legislation.
- Repair and maintain a variety of scientific equipment.
- Maintain accurate records and repair logs. External licence-granting organisations such as the APHA, HSE, and NRW will inspect the documents.
- Manage the internal job request system and respond to inquiries.
- Respond to alarms triggered by remote monitoring systems.
- Fabricate, build, design, and adapt scientific equipment/devices for instruction, project students, and research.
- Manage the electrical and mechanical workshops at the Edward Llwyd Building.
- To initiate requisitions.
- To begin training.
- To train others.
- Assist with car maintenance activities.
- Assist with minibus driving.
- Assist training technicians with their job as needed.
- Maintaining and configuring the audio-visual system in the teaching laboratory.
- Work closely with the Engineering Technician at the Institute of Biological, Environmental, and Rural Sciences (IBERS) to share best practices, methods, and ideas.
- To conduct risk assessments and follow health and safety procedures as outlined in Aberystwyth University policies and procedures.
- To perform health and safety duties and obligations relevant to the position.
- To be dedicated to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, as well as understand how it works within the scope of the position’s responsibilities.
- To be committed to your own and your staff’s growth by making effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
- Any other reasonable duties requested in accordance with the level of this function.
The tasks of this position have been aligned with the HERA Grade 6 Technical and Computer Operator Role Profile. Details about the role profile can be found at:
The position is physically demanding, thus the successful applicant must be in good health and fitness. Appointment to this position may be contingent upon a satisfactory fitness evaluation.
Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills Requirements
Essential
- Qualified for City and Guilds 2382-18 or 2382-22, as well as the City and Guilds Level 2 Award in F-Gas and ODS Regulations: Category I (2079-11).
- Experience repairing laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, vortex mixers, and stirrer hotplates.
- Experience maintaining and repairing controlled settings such as plant growth chambers, glasshouses, cold rooms, aquaria, and freezer rooms.
- Experience with ventilation systems, air handlers, and portable appliance testing.
- Experience fabricating appliances, equipment, and buildings for use in teaching and research settings.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work to a consistently high standard, meet deadlines, and be flexible when dealing with day-to-day challenges.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently (even off campus) and as part of a team, including readiness to work after hours and on weekends in response to equipment failures and alarm notifications.
- Ability to confidently and effectively communicate with a wide range of people, including contractors, academic staff, technical personnel, and students.
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn and teach others.
- Capable of adhering to proper health and safety regulations and undertaking risk assessments.
- To follow and develop standard operating procedures, as well as maintain correct records.
- Competence in computer use and the ability to clearly deliver information verbally, electronically, and on paper.
- A complete, valid UK vehicle driving licence or the corresponding right to drive in the UK. Capable and confident in pulling trailers.
- A desire to drive minibuses, if the applicant holds a D1 licencing category, or a willingness to get a D1 driving category through proper University-funded training.
- Understanding the University’s bilingual nature, as well as being aware of the mechanisms in place to encourage bilingualism.
Desirable
- Experience with computer programming.
- A certification or equivalent experience in electronics.
- Experience with control systems.
- Experience with audiovisual systems.
- Experience with computer hardware.
- Experience working with and repairing electronic circuits.
- Experience doing maintenance and repairs on high-value scientific equipment such as electron microscopes, mass spectrometers, and chromatography equipment.
- Qualification for City and Guilds 2377-77 (or 2377-22/32)
- Member of an organisation, such as the Engineering Council, registered at the EngTech level.
- Understanding the complexities of operating in high containment laboratories and institutions.
- Oral (spoken) and written Welsh, Level B1.*
*For further information on Welsh language levels, visit:
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/
How to apply?
To foster a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from persons seeking full-time, part-time, job-sharing, or term-time-only work arrangements.
Applications for this position must be submitted via jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any post in Welsh or English, and all applications will be reviewed equally.
Benefits
- Flexible working policies
- Full-time roles require 36.5 hours per week.
- Generous leave privileges – 27 days of yearly leave plus bank holidays and university closing days.
- commitment to professional development.
- Increased contribution to our employment pension programmes.
- Staff Recognition and Reward Schemes
- Opportunity to learn Welsh for free.
- Staff Relocation Bursary
- Maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption leave
- Staff members receive a discount on campus gyms, hospitality, and retail.
Please continue reading.
We encourage applications from all origins and groups, particularly those who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes, but is not limited to, candidates who are Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic, have a disability, or are female.
We are a bilingual institution that follows the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to equal opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any post in Welsh or English, and all applications will be reviewed equally.
Employment Visa
We welcome overseas applicants who qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.
Under the points-based system, this role fits the criteria for AU to sponsor an SWR application. AU will only fund the Certificate of Sponsorship for employment visas, not the money for the candidate or their dependents.
