Laboratory Support Assistant

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

Duties include following instructions and direction from the student to prepare laboratory specimens and materials, prepare samples under instruction for testing and analysis etc by the student; fetching and carrying laboratory equipment required by the student; measuring liquids to the specified amount indicated by the student. The support received by students is funded via the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and administered by Swansea University.

The post will involve, some, or all the following activities:

• Arrange to meet student(s) at an agreed location/laboratory to discuss arrangements.
• Assist student in conducting and setting up experiments under instruction from the student in a laboratory environment.
• Ensure health and safety protocols for the laboratory are followed and adhered to at all times.
• Provide adequate notice to the student(s) and the Disability Support Coordinator if unable to attend a practical (preferably a minimum of one week).
• To keep the Disability Support Coordinator informed of any planned absences at the start of the academic year.
• Liaise with other members of Support Worker team to arrange suitable cover and inform Disability Support Coordinator of arrangements in place.
• To be able to relate to the students whom they are providing support and to work independently.
• To manage their own diary to provide as much support as they are able to commit to, whilst adhering to the University’s working hour’s policies and any VISA restrictions.
• To work at all times with due regard to requirements of GDPR and ensure the appropriate storage and handling of sensitive personal data, considering any student requests for confidentiality while responding appropriately to the institution’s duty of care to others.
• Submit timesheets using the Connect system on a weekly basis in order for the student(s) to approve by the deadline for payroll on the last working day of each month.
• To contact the student(s) if timesheets are not approved to payroll deadline of the last working day of each month.
• To maintain confidentiality regarding the student(s).
• To liaise with the Disability Support Coordinator regarding the needs of individual students and ensure that any concerns are brought to their attention.

• Provide up-to-date contact details should these change at any point.
• To keep the Disability Support Coordinator informed of any changes to the agreed support arrangements of a student.
• Before agreeing to undertake any additional support for a student, Laboratory Support Assistant MUST inform the Disability Support Coordinator.
• Fully engage with the University’s Performance Enabling and Welsh language polices.
• To promote equality and diversity in working practices and to maintain positive working relationships.
• To adhere to the continual improvement of health and safety performance through a good understanding of the risk profile and the development of a positive health and safety culture.
• Any other duties as directed by the Head of College/Department, or their nominated representative expected within the grade definition.
• To ensure that risk management is an integral part of any decision-making process, by ensuring compliance with the University’s Risk Management Policy.
• There may be specific tasks required in addition to those outlined above. If additional tasks are required, you will be advised by the Disability Support Coordinator.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.

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