The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values click here.

The Role and Department

The Trainee Technician role supports the Department of Psychology in delivering internationally excellent teaching and research by providing specialist services within the scientific environment. This includes completion of checklists to ensure compliance with Health and Safety requirements and will support a variety of technical functions. The role holder will also work with more senior colleagues to gain an appreciation of other technical services offered in the department. This is alongside completion of Level 3 apprenticeship standard (Software Development Technician) .Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days,including time off between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• Generous pension schemes.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:

1. Five GCSE's at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.

2. Good spoken and written communication skills.

3. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.

4. Basic numeracy and literacy skills.

5. Experience of working in a team.

6. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.

7. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.

8. Ability to follow health and safety guidelines.

9. Experience of working in a customer focussed technical service.

10. Familiarity with computer programming/software development

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from oure-recruitmentsystem. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Mrs Elaine Stanton (Senior Technical Manager) would be happy to speak to you e.c.stanton@durham.ac.uk

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery
• Provide an excellent service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for).
• Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided e.g. safety shoes, being aware of any hazards and risks and reporting any incidents.
• Carry out some tasks that may require specialist skills and may be physically demanding.
• Operate, clean and look after specialist equipment and tools under supervision.
• Gather and record routine data on systems.

Teamwork
• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.
• Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service.
• Help to move, set-up and dismantle any equipment or tools.
• Learn new skills and practices from more experienced colleagues.
• Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.
• Help monitor and replenish stock levels.
• Help colleagues meet learning, teaching and/or research objectives.

Communication/Personal
• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
• Respond to routine requests for information.
• Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.

• Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Specific role requirements

The role will include attending off the job training for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship Software Development Technician for one day per week with a local training provider. This apprenticeship course will take two years.

Subject to the successful completion of the apprenticeship and performance criteria the post will become a permanent Assistant Technician at Grade 3.

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