JOB DESCRIPTION. 4. DEPARTMENT: Faculty of Life Sciences / NoWFOOD Centre. Dean of Life Sciences. Director NowFood Project / Food Institute

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Technical Assistant 2: HRMS REFERENCE NUMBER: HRMS/ ROLE CODE: FINRA01 4. DEPARTMENT: Faculty of Life Sciences / NoWFOOD Centre 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Dean of Life Sciences Director NowFood Project / Food Institute Food Innovation Partnerships Manager Food Innovation Support Coordinator Food Scientist / Technologist Administrative Assistant Technical Assistant 6. JOB PURPOSE: The role holder will assist the Food Innovation Partnerships Manager with the operation of the ERDF North West Food Research-Development Exchange (NoWFOOD Centre). The role holder will be based at the NoWFOOD Centre and will focus on: Assistance with research-related and business support tasks, including preparing reagents, setting up equipment, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments. Working to the standards and objectives of project work set by the Food Scientist / Food Technologist. Training external clients in the operation of NoWFOOD Centre equipment. Implementation of deep cleaning protocols or other actions necessary to ensure hygiene standards consistent with a food production facility. 7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The University of Chester has recently received ERDF funding to support the development of centre dedicated to supporting SMEs in the food and drink sector.

2 The North West Food Research-Development Exchange will create a physical base for industry-specific food and drink research and development and will be dedicated to increasing the capacity and success of food and drink enterprises across the North West. The Exchange will engage with existing food and drink-related projects and organisations across the region, securing the necessary links to ensure maximum benefit to the food and drink sector. The Centre s specialist contribution to the development of the North West food industry will be made through the development of the practical applications of food nanotechnology and food rheology; available to SMEs in the North West for the first time. Located at the University of Chester but assisted via direct links with Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside and Manchester, the Centre will make available the following services to the small and medium-sized enterprises in the food and drink sector: Industry-standard facilities for use by SMEs Consultation sessions with academics/industry specialists Technology transfer sessions given by industry leaders/manufacturers/academics to showcase new processes/equipment/products Research as requested by businesses (particularly in relation to nanotechnology and rheology) Business support information and advice In carrying out the above functions the role holder will contribute to the following, wider objectives: Establishing and developing links with food and drink SMEs across the North West Maintaining existing and developing new links with other providers to the food and drink sector (including FECs, HEIs and large companies) Ensuring engagement with the entire region Supporting the growth of the North West s food and drink SMEs Delivery of the project s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) outputs In carrying out the above functions the role holder will contribute to the following, wider objectives: Establishing and developing links with food and drink SMEs across the North West Maintaining existing and developing new links with other providers to the food and drink sector (including FECs, HEIs and large companies)

3 Ensuring engagement with the entire region Supporting the growth of the North West s food and drink SMEs Delivery of the project s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) outputs 8. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 8.1 Communicating Effectively Engage with external clients, researchers or academic staff using the NoWFOOD Centre facilities and provide technical support as required to ensure the safe and effective use of resources. Contribute to the production of research and development outputs, discussing the requirements with colleagues as required. Assist in the preparation of client technical reports, papers for steering groups and other bodies. 8.2 Leadership and Working Collaboratively Actively participate as a member of the NoWFOOD Centre team. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any researcher who may be assisting in the research and development activities. 8.3 Liaison and Networking Liaise with research / technical colleagues and support staff on routine matters. 8.4 Delivering a High Quality Standard of Service Assist with research and development-related tasks and provide technical support to the standards and objectives of the research and development project set by the Food Product Scientist / Technologist. 8.5 Effective Decision Making To make independent decisions on the use of standard research and development techniques and methods when undertaking research. Contribute to decisions affecting the work of the team. 8.6 Planning and Organising Self and Others Plan day to day technical support or research and development activity within the framework of the agreed programme, in collaboration with the Food Product Scientist / Technologist. 8.7 Innovation and Improvement (Effective Problem Solving) Deal with day-to-day problems which may affect the achievement of research and development objectives and deadlines, referring to the Food Scientist / Food Technologist for advice and guidance.

4 8.8 Analysis and Research Conduct literature and database surveys. Assist with research-related tasks, including preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and field work, the development of standard questionnaires and conducting surveys. Continue to update knowledge and develop skills. Input research findings into the relevant software/ database. 8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands Sensory and physical demands will mainly include light physical effort, but may vary depending on the project or working environment Work Environment The working environment will vary depending on the nature of the work Pastoral Care and Welfare Show consideration to others Team Development Assist in the induction of new staff if required Teaching and Learning Support Not a requirement of the role Knowledge and Experience Please see Person Specification for further details General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you. To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.

5 PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Technical Assistant Department: Faculty of Life Sciences / NoWFOOD Centre Criteria / Desirable Method identification of Qualifications Educated to A level standard or equivalent. CIEH Level 2 Hygiene Proven Experience: Knowledge/expertise to work on research and development issues or deliver technical support without continuous reference to others. Experience of technical support in a food production or research and development environment Delivering academic and service excellence: Desirable Desirable certificates certificates interview interview Attention to detail Interview/ test Managing self and inspiring others: The ability to develop further food technical skills The ability to develop knowledge of research and development methods and techniques. Desirable Interview Interview Working together: Effective communication skills. The ability to work effectively with others as a competent team member. interview interview

6 Organisational and stakeholder awareness: Ability to solve standard problems in accordance with procedures. Effective engagement with external clients Interview Interview Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Desirable Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Method of identification is where the selection panel will match the candidate s skills and abilities to the required criteria outlined (i.e. application form, interview, test)

7 UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES TECHNICAL ASSISTANT FIXED TERM CONTRACT UNTIL 31 ST DECEMBER 2014 SALARY SCALE University Scale OS4, points 11-14, 18,031-19,632 per annum payable monthly in arrears. HOURS OF WORK 36.5 hours per week to be worked as follows:- Monday to Thursday 9.00am pm Friday 9.00am pm (less one hour for lunch each day) A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during the Christmas period. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University operates two pension schemes for support staff: The default scheme is the Higher Education Defined Contribution Scheme (HEDCS), which is administered by Friends Life. The Cheshire Local Government Pension Scheme, to which the University is an admitted body. All support staff are entitled to participate in one of these schemes. Some staff will be automatically enrolled into a scheme, depending on their age and earnings, but if they do not wish to remain a member of the scheme, they will be entitled to opt out after enrolment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts.

8 CLOSING DATE Candidates should apply for this vacancy via our online recruitment website ( by Friday 1 st August 2014 quoting reference number HRMS/13293.