Job Vacancies at Newcastle University

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure the NIHR RSS Hub develops in accordance with its agreed objectives to increase capacity in Social Care and that the NIHR contract is delivered successfully through collaborative working with the Directors and the Senior Management Team.
• Develop, deliver and lead Social Care-focussed strategic and operational plans, with input from relevant stakeholders.
• Establish new and develop existing links with statutory and voluntary Social Care communities regionally and nationally (both adult and children’s Social Care). Create and sustain strong collaborative links with colleagues based in the University, NIHR and other external partners (nationally and internationally).
• Ensure methods and processes for effective Social Care research guidance and support are embedded in all aspects of RSS Hub activity including RSS governance, service access and outreach, methodological advice, training, and are relevant and appropriate to Social Care throughout the research cycle from design, development to impact and dissemination of research.
• Bring together intelligence from exisiting and new Social Care networks and groups within the University, regionally and nationally, to share best practice, inform and develop training, both internally for RSS methodologists and externally for research grant applicants, and support an increase in research in this area.
• Lead the development of a national network for RSS Hub Social Care leads to share best practice, inform and develop staff development, mentorship and training, and support research in this setting.
• Provide line management and mentorship to members of the RSS Hub research support team.
• Deputise for the RSS Hub Directors at regional and national forums as required.

The Strategic Lead for Social Care (Principal Research Associate) will also contribute expertise to:

• Provide expert methods guidance and input at application and post award stage and act as a central point of contact for investigators considering applying to peer-reviewed funders.
• Lead the development of applications for research funding, leading and managing research, ensuring projects are completed within budget, meet milestones and deadlines for completion.
• Lead sustained impact activity including public engagement and make a significant contribution to policy development at a national level.
• Facilitate and chair meetings involving researchers, experts by experience and members of the public, the Social Care workforce and methodologists to ensure these are constructive and efficient and that actions are clear.
• Remain up to date with NIHR RSS and NIHR/Department of Health and Social Care national developments across all strategic priority areas.
• Work with others in the NIHR RSS team to develop and operationalise common processes nationally and across the NIHR RSS Hub to enable equity in service access and provision.
• Promote the NIHR RSS at local and national events, including leading discussions or chairing sessions at conferences, playing a prominent role in driving forward the national work programme of the NIHR RSS.
• Regularly review individual and collective data on the NIHR RSS Hub and national activities, analysing and monitoring own and RSS performance against projected milestones to inform focused action, and reports.
• Contribute to activities associated with the running and administration of the NIHR RSS, or perform other duties as required.

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Strong track record in the design, development and delivery of research in the Social Care setting in the UK, reflected in a high-quality output, level of innovation, impact on subject and recognition.
• An excellent reputation and track record of working with key Social Care partners, actively promoting research in the Social Care setting.
• Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills including diplomacy, negotiating and influencing at a senior level. Ability to understand and interpret complex ideas and communicate these simply to broad audiences.
• Significant knowledge and experience from a research perspective of identifying challenges and developing interventions to address issues in Social Care research.
• Proven leadership skills, including leading research teams, supervising less experienced colleagues and demonstrating leadership in a multi-stakeholder environment, pre-empting requirements, identifying opportunities and facilitating change management.
• Extensive experience of shaping strategic direction, including designing and delivering capacity development activities.
• Substantial knowledge of the methods, processes and requirements for conducting applied health and care research (including randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and qualitative research).
• Experience of acting as a peer reviewer, for grant awarding bodies and/or academic journals.
• Track record of external grant funding as a lead or co-applicant. Substantial experience in conducting research, as evidence by impactful publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Self-motivated and pro-active; keen to help others and play a role in positive research culture.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues from a wide range of professional and research backgrounds and roles.
• Willingness to travel regionally and within the UK.

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Membership of influential, national and/or international organisations pertinent to research in the Social Care setting.

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Key Accountabilities

• To record all new student interactions, ensuring that the databases are updated to reflect misconduct, education or engagement and the appropriate acknowledgements and document requests are sent, to provide an effective service to students.
• Prepare correspondence for the Student Experience Teams, using available templates, ensuring that letters are actioned promptly and to a high standard of accuracy.
• Assist in implementation of University procedures for managing student behaviours and engagement, through education and investigations ensuring all required information is obtained and cases are resolved promptly.
• Provide administrative support for student engagement meetings, ensuring that accurate minutes are recorded and produced within required timescales.
• Manage and maintain paper and electronic records for students where appropriate ensuring that all current and archive records are accurate and can be accessed in an efficient manner.
• Ensure that personal enquiries from students or their representatives are handled in an efficient and helpful manner, with regard to data protection protocols.
• Assist the Student Experience team with purchasing, filing invoices and updating budget sheets, ensuring all procedures are carried out in accordance with University financial regulations.
• Support the ResLife team with the creation and distribution of educational content, events schedules and satisfaction surveys
• Manage multiple email Inboxes and respond/triage appropriately
• You may from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature as reasonably required by your line manager. You are required to always follow all University policies and procedures and take account of University guidance.  You will be required to participate in activities relating to student arrival and departure weekends as well as open and applicant days (these can vary depending on semester dates).

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Excellent communication skills both written and oral
• Excellent word processing and IT skills
• Well-developed organisational skills
• Ability to keep and produce accurate records
• Ability to work with close attention to detail
• Ability to work to tight deadlines

Attributes and Behaviour

• Takes responsibility for achieving own targets and cooperate with others in achieving targets
• Strives to deliver high quality results
• Is enthusiastic in getting the job done on time
• Flexible attitude and comfortable managing an eclectic task list

Qualifications

• Academic or vocational qualifications to GCSE level, grade A-C, or NVQ Level 2 standard - including Maths and English

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The Role

The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Chemical Labs Technician.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of technical staff supporting the research activities in the School of Natural & Environmental Sciences, through the provision of technical support within the chemical research labs, and in support of technical services within the Bedson Building.

The role holder will support the Chemical Labs Team Leader in the management of the chemical teaching and research facilities, and infrastructure by:

• Helping to manage shared laboratory areas, to allow users to work safely in a cohesive and collaborative environment.
• Support the preparation and delivery of taught practical classes and UG/PGT projects within the Chemistry labs..
• Working with facility users to ensure equipment is working safely and work to ensure items are repaired and tested to statutory and local requirements.
• Working with the team to help manage and run the chemistry stores, as well as the disposal of hazardous waste.
• Helping to manage the training and provision of gases and cryogens to the facility users and ensure systems are working safely.

The post holder will be:

• Capable of training and advising lab users on safe techniques and will work with users to ensure they are working safely and effectively.
• Confident and competent with Health and Safety management
• Capable of conducting their own experiments when required in line with teaching requirements and active research projects.

Key Accountabilities

• In conjunction with the technical team leader for the activity, be responsible for the day-to-day operation of specific facilities or pieces of equipment. To undertake fault diagnosis, testing, repair, calibration and preventative maintenance on instrumentation under the roles responsibility
• To help manage shared laboratory spaces, working with PIs, RAs, other technical staff and PGT PGR students to allow for cohesive and collaborative work in a safe environment. To chair meetings as appropriate to achieve this
• To be responsible for the disposal of hazardous materials according to standard University procedures. Ensure compliance with relevant safety procedures including relevant risk assessments. In conjunction with the School safety officer monitor compliance with all statutory and local safety arrangements
• To train and advise staff and research students in appropriate laboratory techniques and good laboratory practice to ensure that they are able to carry out their work in a safe manner. To provide laboratory supervision and training for postgraduate and undergraduate project students and, occasionally, for other technical staff using the facilities to ensure safe working practices are followed
• In conjunction with the PIs, RAs, other technical staff and PGT PGR students as appropriate, identify consumable and equipment requirements and initiate their ordering according to the School and University purchasing procedures. Keep financial records of any activities as directed by the technical team leader
• Where required, assist in active research projects and to help develop experiments and protocols for teaching, working with PIs, RAs, other technical staff and PGT PGR students as appropriate. 
• To inform academic staff of safety and legal compliance issues related to practical classes to be undertaken in the laboratory. Academic staff are responsible for the production of appropriate COSHH forms for their practical classes but these should be produced in liaison with the post-holder
• To test and modify (after consultation with the academic staff involved) proposed practical experiments to ensure that they are suitable for UG and PGT teaching. This to include design, develop, modify and construct apparatus from verbal instruction and sketches. Working with other areas at the school to achieve this. i.e. workshop / glassblower
• To prepare laboratory and equipment for practical classed and demonstrate experimental techniques where appropriate. An understanding of FT-IR, UV-VIS, fluorescence and NMR techniques and ability to explain and aid understanding of techniques and analysis of results
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required

 The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical or research role
• Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures including GCP and COSHH
• Excellent team working skills
• Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability
• Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines, with a positive and proactive approach to duties and diligence and attention to detail
• Contribute to design and specification of research/teaching activities,
• Ability to adapt to changes in laboratory research/teaching priorities
• A good theoretical and practical knowledge of Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry/
• Experience in synthetic, anaerobic and analytical techniques with experience of using gas systems.

Attributes and Behaviour

Team-working (Self)

• Works collaboratively with others, plays a positive role in teams and establishes and grows relationships across the organisation where different skills, expertise and opinions are valued.
• Shares relevant and useful information with others
• Respects the expertise and contribution of others even if own opinion is different
• Willing to help others and share workloads

Planning and organising (Self)

• Works in a planned and structured way
• Ensures that all activities are completed on time
• Ensures that others know how processes and systems work
• Can work autonomously and set own priorities in conjunction with team and area objectives

Finding Solutions

• Looks at ways of overcoming obstacles rather than coming to a standstill
• Keeps an open mind to alternative ways of doing things

Delivering services (Self)

• Keeps fellow team members up to date with progress
• Pays attention to detail
• Has a positive attitude for doing things better
• Takes responsibility for achieving own targets
• Co-operates with others to achieve targets
• Strives to deliver high quality results
• Is enthusiastic in getting job done on time

Embracing change (Self)

• Recognises the need for change and is forward looking. Promotes the benefits of change to others and regularly comes up with new ideas. Has the willingness to adopt new ways of working and to make improvements.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship in an appropriate subject with experience in a relevant technical role; or BTEC level 4 / HNC / HND; or A’ level (or equivalent) qualification; or broad work experience acquired through a combination of vocational training and considerable on-the job experience, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding relevant roles.

Desirable

• MChem or PhD in Chemistry

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The Role

Estates and Facilities are a large multidisciplinary team that look after the development, maintenance, safety and security of over 150 buildings across various sites including a wide variety of world class teaching and research facilities, a range of diverse accommodation for over 3500 students across three student villages as well as caring for our beautifully landscaped grounds.

Working in a friendly office in the heart of our city campus, you will be the first main contact for internal and external calls for the whole University, providing customer focused support, directing them as necessary. You will support the delivery of our service using effective administration skills.

Please can you outline how you feel you meet the essential criteria in the job description in your covering letter that you should upload with your application.

Please note this vacancy is fixed term for 1 year.

Key Accountabilities

• Act as the first point of contact for Estates & Facilities/University queries for both internal and external customers, directing to colleagues within Estates & Facilities as appropriate.
• Provide, along with other members of the Helpdesk Team a high-quality front of house service.
• Routinely provide Estates & Facilities colleagues with information from various systems within the department.
• Be responsible for ordering office stationary, PPE and equipment, ensuring any issues with office equipment are reported as necessary and purchases are made in line with the University’s financial regulations.
• To undertake tasks in accordance to the University’s purchasing processes.
• Support the Helpdesk with tasks i.e. timetables and processing defects through Planon.
• Provide support in the arranging of meetings, including diary arrangements, room bookings and organisation of catering.
• To contribute to the review, development and implementation of new/replacement systems and procedures within the helpdesk and admin function, ensuring that these systems meet the needs of colleagues and customers and continually improve efficiency. 
• Carry out any other duties which may be required and to provide cover where appropriate for sickness and absence.

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Up to date and comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and Zoom)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to deal diplomatically and calmly with difficult situations
• A high level of attention to detail
• Experience of operating a customer service system
• Experience of working in a similar customer focused environment and role
• Experience of gathering and collating information
• Knowledge of the University finance regulations (Desirable)

Attributes and Behaviour

Communicating

• Uses clear, concise and accurate communication. Tailoring the approach accordingly and encouraging a two way communication process
• Chooses communication tools appropriately
• Tailors content of communication to the audience, changing style, tone and format appropriately

Gathering Information

• Gathers relevant information from a wide range of sources
• Is thorough in checking information
• Has an eye for detail, spotting errors and ensuring accurate information

Team Working

• Share relevant and useful information with others
• Respects the value that different views bring to the team
• Ask others’ opinion

Finding solutions

• Recognises urgency and takes decisive action when required
• Uses initiative to sort things out
• Confidently deals with a broad range of information
• Keeps an open mind to alternative ways of doing things

Qualifications

• Academic or vocational qualification to GCSE (A-C)/NVQ Level 2 standard including Maths and English

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Key Accountabilities

• In conjunction with the Technical Team Leader, be responsible for the day-to-day operation of specific laboratory facilities and items of equipment and instrumnetation. To undertake fault diagnosis, testing, repair, calibration and preventative maintenance on equipment and instrumentation.
• In conjunction with academic, research, technical staff and students as appropriate, identify consumable and equipment requirements and initiate their ordering according to the school and university purchasing procedures. Keep financial records of any activities as directed by the Team Leader.
• To maintain an effective inventory of equipment within your designated work area to ensure a continuous supply is available, and ensure safe disposal of hazardous materials generated by research activities according to standard university procedures.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety procedures including relevant risk assessments. In conjunction with the Technical Team Leader and School Safety Officer monitor compliance with all statutory and local safety arrangements. To contribute to regular team meetings, health and safety processes and audits.
• To train and advise staff in appropriate techniques and good lab practise to ensure they are able to carry out their work in a safe manner. To provide lab supervision and training to postgraduate and undergraduate students and for junior technical staff using the facilities in ensure working practices are followed.
• Provide comprehensive support and advice to staff on technical development, design, preparation, construction, assembly and setting up of experiments, including supporting the scheduling of project activities and Minor Electrical & Mechanical Work and perform basic electrical and mechanical maintenance and repairs on equipment.
• To have responsibility for the running and maintenance of all equipment and instrumentation as required. As part of the wider technical team, have responsibility for the running and maintenance of the service in support of research operations and analysis involving the use of various scientific equipment.
• Undertake quality analysis as part of ongoing research or commercial outreach activities in accordance with appropriate standards, including collating, providing both data and results for interpretation, processing and archiving.
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of working in a relevant technical environment with demonstratable team working skills.
• Experience of running day-to-day activities and their associated infrastructure, inventories, instrumentation, equipment and sustainable practises.
• Experience of using an array of equipment and instrumentation with a good theoretical and practical knowledge of technical equipment, including repair and maintenance.
• Up-to-date and detailed knowledge of health and safety procedures in a lab setting. Including experience of writing risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changes in lab research and priorities.
• Contribute to design and specification of research and activities.
• Demonstrates good organisation and ability to meet deadlines, with a positive and proactive approach to duties and diligence with attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (or Equivalent Level 4 Qualification) or equivalent relevant technical experience.
• Full UK Driver’s License

Desirable

• Fork Lift Operators License