Salary

£17,329 per annum (pro rata for part time staff)

The normal expectation is that the successful applicant will be appointed to the minimum of the scale with annual increments on 1 August each year (subject to completing six months service).

This post is fixed term between 17 July and 15 November 2012.

Technical Grade 4

Main Purpose of the Post

Nephrops is a collaborative European project focused on developing hatchery systems, methods and protocols for hatching and early rearing of Nephrops novegicus. This will include cultivating systems, live feed and formulated feed production and water quality monitoring and control.

The post holder will assist with the husbandry of aquatic animals and maintenance of life support systems in the Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Research (CSAR), Swansea University

Main Duties

• Daily cleaning of livestock tanks; food administration; livestock checking and removal of mortalities,
• Analysis and determination of samples and use of specialised equipment eg spectrophotometers,
• Assisting students and research staff in the use and construction of equipment and apparatus and demonstrating various techniques,
• Maintaining adequate stock levels within policies agreed with Technical Manager,
• Preparation of special (i.e. not generally commercially available) materials compounds and solutions,
• Daily recognition of bio-security measures and health and safety within the facility,
• Assistance with experimental procedures, under direct supervision,
• Routine laboratory tidiness and hygiene maintenance,
• Routine maintenance of apparatus and instruments,
• Collection of equipment / materials from stores,
• Filling in pro-forma “system check” and “livestock record” sheets.
• To promote equality and diversity in working practices and to maintain positive working relationships.
• To fully engage with the University’s Performance Enabling and Welsh language policies
• Any other duties as directed by the Head of College or their nominated representative expected within the grade definition.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

1. Educated to GCSE level with a grade C in a science subject or equivalent.

2. Demonstrable competence in animal husbandry, preferably fish husbandry.

3. Highly methodical work approach.

4. Effective communicator.

5. Good numerical competency.

6. Competent in basic I.T. skills, particularly data input and collation.

Desirable Criteria

7. Good applied knowledge of fish biology, in particular the critical effects of water quality on physiology.

8. Previous experience of operating recirculating aquaculture systems.

9. Previous experience of conducting fish feeding and nutrition studies.

10. Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and HACCP.

11. Knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Candidates invited for interview will be required to undertake an occupational test as part of the selection process. During this they will be assessed on their competence in animal and/or fish husbandry, communication skills, their methodical work approach, numeracy and IT skills and knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) & HACCP and knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and a good applied knowledge of fish biology, in particular the critical effects of water quality on physiology.

Background

We are an equal opportunity employer aiming for diversity in our workforce.

Informal enquiries contact details

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Adam Powell at

a.powell@swansea.ac.uk

or Dr Robin Shields at

r.j.shields@swansea.ac.uk

.

Terms and Conditions of employment

Hours: 35 per week

Annual leave: 29 days per annum plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time staff)

The Job Description sets out the duties of this post as at the closing date. It has been graded as grade 4 against the benchmark profile for this grade. This profile is available at:

http://www.swansea.ac.uk/hr/Pay%20Modernisation/HERA-RoleProfiles/Technical/

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It may be necessary for these duties to be varied from time to time within the grade definition.

The appointment is subject to the General Terms of Appointment for Technical Staff which is available at

http://www.swansea.ac.uk/hr/GeneralInformation/TermsandConditions/TechnicalandOperationsFacilitiesStaffs/#d.en.1565

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The following link provides further information on the benefits of working in Swansea University:

http://www.swansea.ac.uk/hr/GeneralInformation/NewProspectiveStaff/

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Swansea University - 11 months ago