Job Description
Job Title:
Laboratory Support Technician – TRACES and Forensic Anthropology
Department:
Learning & Information Services
Grade:
Grade D
Responsible to:
Principal Technician
Responsible for:
No supervisory responsibilities
Specific Role Purpose:
 To support the operation of the TRACES research facility
 To support the provision of academic and research activities within Forensic Anthropology
programmes.
Main Duties and Responsibilites
1.
To support and undertake maintenance of the site and equipment at the TRACES research facility.
2.
Where necessary provide transportation to students using the facility.
3.
To support and provide technical supervision of students and researchers using the TRACES facility.
4.
To provide support in the set-up of experimentation, including the collection, transportation and use
of food animal carcases.
5.
To prepare skeletal remains for teaching and storage.
6.
To liaise with external contractors and arranging site access and supervision as necessary.
7.
To liaise with site neighbours and authorities regarding relevant site activities and maintain
established relationships.
8.
To assist staff and students undertaking research, exhibitions and Knowledge Transfer/income
generating activities.
9.
To liaise with regulatory bodies concerning the research activities of the TRACES facility. These include
Local Councils, DEFRA and the Environment Agency.
10. To complete and maintain all records in relation to site regulation and use.
11. To undertake new health and safety risk assessments where necessary and review existing risk
assessments annually. To review the TRACES Health and Safety Manual and Biosecurity Protocol
annually.
12. To ensure compliance with all aspects of the TRACES Health and Safety Manual and the Biosecurity
Protocol, and site security.
13. To liaise with relevant staff and undertake the set-up and take-down of undergraduate and postgraduate practical labs.
14. Internal auditing and maintenance of skeletal records, including requirements of Human Tissue Act,
full inventories, updating databases and recording all new skeletal material.
15. Day-to day maintenance and upkeep of skeletal collection and storage areas and excavation
equipment
16. To demonstrate flexibility and commitment to the University and LIS mission statements, policies and
development plans.
17. To work on specific technical projects as the business requires
18. To carry out other such duties as may reasonably be associated with the grade and a role of this
nature
Person Specification
Job Title:
Laboratory Support Technician – TRACES and Forensic Anthropology
Department:
Learning and Information Services
Grade:
Grade D
Compiled by:
Section Head – LIS / Head of TRACES Facility
Date:
April 2014
Attributes
Work Experience
Essential
Knowledge of vertebrate skeletal anatomy
Experience of field work
Experience of working in a Further or Higher
Education environment.
Experience with use of tractor vehicles and
associated uses.
Desirable
Experience of the process of
humane dispatch of food
animals and the handling of
animal carcasses.
Experience of working with
human and animal skeletal
remains.
Experience of
taphonomic/entomological
research in the field.
Education/Qualifications
Educated to A’level in Science subject or
equivalent experiential learning in a related
discipline.
Full driving license
Skills/Abilities
Understanding of Health & Safety procedures
with respect to the work environment.
Ability to work safely at all times.
Familiarisation with Animal By-Product and
Welfare of Animals at Slaughter Regulations
and Biosecurity issues.
Good customer service and communication
skills both written and verbal
Participate and work effectively as a member
of a team
Ability to work with initiative and
independently and to work co-operatively
within a diverse team.
Ability to provide technical support and
guidance to students.
Degree in Forensic Science
and Anthropology
D/D1 and MIDAS
certification
Ability to adapt to changing
work environment and new
technologies.
Familiarisation with
requirements of the Human
Tissue Act.
Ability to liase with external parties, including
maintaining established positive
relationships.
Understanding site security requirements.
Ability to plan, prioritise and organise own
workload
Ability to undertake manual handling to
varying weights and sizes
Personal Details
Awareness and understanding of
confidentiality and security
Attention to detail and concern for quality of
work of team and self.
Commitment to personal and professional
development
Demonstrate a flexible approach to work and
working hours