Please note, this opportunity is only available to Manchester Met 2024 graduates who will be based in the UK for the duration of this role. You must have graduated from an undergraduate course from Manchester Met in June 2024 to apply. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from current or previous postgraduate students.
This role as a Chemistry Technical Support Officer is available as part of the Future Talent Graduate Scheme.
Background
The Dalton Building’s sixth-floor Chemistry laboratories are busy undergraduate and postgraduate teaching spaces, equipped with specialist laboratory equipment and chemicals for synthetic, organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry techniques. The purpose of this role is to support the Chemistry technical team by applying your knowledge and skills to a range of tasks. These include setting out equipment and preparing laboratory materials for use, supporting students in laboratory environments, and replenishing consumables and chemicals in line with daily task requirements. You will also help maintain a safe learning environment through cleaning and basic maintenance of laboratory equipment such as fume hoods, rotary evaporators, and balances. The role involves auditing Chemistry equipment and entering mandatory information into the Technical Services Asset Database (TSAD), as well as monitoring resource usage using Lab Cup. You will also audit consumables, identify stock levels, and maintain supplier lists. Flexibility is essential, as you will provide support across different Chemistry laboratory environments and assist various members of the technical team. Overall, the role contributes to the delivery of learning, teaching, research, and enterprise activities as a valued member of the technical team.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the Chemistry technical team, you will
contribute to the delivery of an effective and efficient technical service
across the sixth-floor laboratories. Your responsibilities will include
supporting the preparation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and
materials, assisting students and staff during practical sessions, and ensuring
that laboratory spaces are safe, well-stocked, and well-maintained. You will
also help develop and implement improvements to systems of work and procedures
within the Chemistry laboratory environment, contributing to the continuous
enhancement of technical operations that support teaching, research, and
enterprise activities.
Key Tasks
- To operate Chemistry laboratory equipment, after training, to prepare materials for students and staff.
- To use and prepare equipment according to job requests and following standard operating procedures to ensure that work/ learning can take place on time.
- To respond to routine requests for information and assistance from colleagues and service users, referring them to others as required.
- To provide explanations and demonstrations to students on the use of basic lab equipment.
- To set up and dismantle laboratory equipment.
- To develop procedures and documentation under the guidance of senior technical staff, update existing systems, and provide audits of equipment.
- To monitor resource usage, assist with the organisation of stores, requisitioning and movement of materials with the technical team. For e.g. replenishment of stock items in laboratories.
- To operate within the technical stores for the receiving and issuing of items and to manage a loans system for the issuing and return of equipment and other items.
Health and Safety
- To read, understand and adhere to risk assessments relevant to the area and to recognise and highlight the need for risk assessment.
- To recognise and report any hazards or emergencies in the laboratories.
- To promote good health and safety practice and maintain a good standard of housekeeping in all work environments.
Details
Dates: Monday 18 August - Friday 7 November 2025
Hours: 35 hours per week full time, except for Bank Holiday Monday (25 August 2025)
Working pattern: Monday to Friday. Working hours are 8:45am-4:30pm or 9:00am-4:45pm with an unpaid 45-minute lunch break
Location: Dalton 6th Floor Chemistry Laboratories
Benefits to the graduate
In this role, the graduate would be expected to improve/develop the following skills:
- Setting up, maintaining and demonstrating core Chemistry laboratory equipment.
- Health & Safety knowledge of handling, storing Chemicals.
- Development of IT skills in existing Chemistry resource management (Technical Service Asset Database, Lab Cup, Excel, SharePoint)