Job Description
Position: Technical Support for Built Environment
Reporting to: Technical Team Leader
Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus
Closing Date: Sunday, 16 March 2025
Salary: £31,814 to £35,750 per annum (with the potential to progress up to £41,113 for exceptional performers)
Job Grade: ATOS 6
Reference: 0400-24
Contract Type: Permanent
Post Type: Full-time
Workplace: Onsite (Kedleston Road, Derby Campus)
About the University of Derby
The University of Derby is committed to making a positive impact through groundbreaking research, outstanding teaching, and sustainable practices. We are a modern university that values excellence and opportunities for our students, staff, and the local community. Recognized for our exceptional student experience, we hold a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We offer an inclusive culture focused on staff wellbeing, professional development, and career progression.
About the College/Department
The College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby includes the School of Science, School of Computing, School of Sport and Exercise Science, and the School of Engineering. As part of a region with a strong STEM heritage, we contribute significantly to the economic growth of the area and collaborate with leading STEM companies.
Our Technical Services team supports teaching, research, and innovation, with technicians playing a critical role in providing hands-on learning and assisting in the advancement of academic disciplines. We support a range of specialist areas, including laboratories, workshops, clinical suites, media studios, and more, contributing to the University’s commitment to the Technician Commitment programme.
About the Role
This role is key in providing expert support within the built environment, specifically in the areas of geotechnics and highway materials. You will assist with research, teaching, and industry activities, and be actively involved in fieldwork, including leading residential trips.
You will manage health and safety in designated areas, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining risk assessments and safety protocols. You will collaborate with academic and technical teams to develop and update practical materials and provide technical support during fieldwork and laboratory sessions.
As part of the role, you will assist with the development of field-based experiences, support students’ independent projects, and help deliver teaching sessions in practical environments.
Key Responsibilities
Resource Management: Assist in the organization and management of technical resources and facilities.
Health & Safety Oversight: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed in designated areas, including maintenance logs and risk management.
Teaching Support: Lead formal technical sessions on equipment use and safety procedures. Create instructional materials like guides and videos for students.
Fieldwork Support: Assist with field trips, providing technical support and mentoring students, ensuring the safe and effective use of equipment.
Collaboration & Communication: Maintain communication with staff and students to ensure the effective use of technical resources.
Research & Knowledge Transfer: Support research and knowledge transfer initiatives, including facilitating research activities and associated schemes.
Student Engagement: Provide support for students’ independent scholarships and projects. Monitor student competence through informal assessments.
Finance & Budgeting: Work with budget managers to ensure financial efficiency within the designated area.
About You
We are seeking a candidate with significant experience in civil engineering, specifically in geotechnics and highway materials. The ideal candidate will have expertise in maintaining and using geotechnical, concrete, and highway material testing equipment, as well as relevant computer modelling software.
The successful candidate will be an effective communicator with excellent organizational skills, able to work independently or as part of a team. You will also have a good understanding of health and safety protocols, including COSHH and risk assessments.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience in a related field.
Experience: Proven experience in providing technical support in a higher education environment, particularly in civil engineering or related fields.
Skills:
Knowledge of geotechnical testing, concrete testing, and highway material testing.
Familiarity with computer modelling software such as GEO5, FLAC Modeler, or Slide.
Strong verbal communication skills for interacting with students and staff.
Working knowledge of health and safety protocols, including COSHH and risk assessments.
Fieldwork Experience: Experience in civil engineering fieldwork and laboratory settings.
Self-Management: Ability to manage time and workloads independently and prioritize tasks effectively.
Desirable Criteria
Qualifications: Professional memberships (e.g., CICES, ICE, CIHT), first aid certification, driving license, UAV qualifications, or health and safety training.
Experience:
Experience in laboratory management and creating technical materials for teaching.
Knowledge of chemical and contamination testing in civil engineering.
Benefits
Generous annual leave (38 days including bank holidays and concessionary days).
Access to a Local Government Pension Scheme.
Comprehensive wellbeing support, including family-friendly policies, sick pay, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Discounts at various retailers and onsite amenities (gym, spa).
Cycle to Work scheme and flexible working arrangements.
Professional development opportunities to enhance your career.
Contact Information
For informal enquiries, please contact Richard Bostock, Technical Team Leader, at r.bostock@derby.ac.uk.
For application queries, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@derby.ac.uk.
Important Information:
Visa Sponsorship Eligibility:
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to specific criteria set by UKVI.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
The University of Derby values equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment. We are a Disability Confident Employer and encourage candidates to share any adjustments required for equitable participation in the recruitment process.
Environmental Sustainability:
The University of Derby is committed to sustainability and expects all staff to integrate sustainable practices into their work to support the University’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon by 2040.
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