Job Title: Laboratory Technician
School: School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Reporting to: John O'Brien, Head of Laboratory Operations
Location: York House, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
Contract/Duration: Full Time - Permanent and Fixed Term Contracts
Start Date: November 2024
RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission “To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health”. We seek candidates whose experience to date has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to the “Race Equality Action Plan 2021-2024” at RCSI. Our students come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This makes our university stronger and ensures we hire the best talent.
Innovating for a Healthier Future 2023-2027 is RCSI's new five-year strategic plan. Through it, RCSI will enhance human health by meeting the health workforce needs of society, creating the insights and inventions that drive health improvements, and working in partnership with patients and the public in support of better health and well-being for all. The strategy unites the RCSI community in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals – with a particular focus on Goal 3, which targets good health and well-being.
For each of the last six years, RCSI has been positioned in the Top 300 of universities worldwide in the Times Higher World University Rankings. We are proud that RCSI ranks fifth in the world for “Good Health and Well-being” in the Times Higher Education #SDG #SDG Impact Rankings 2024. This reflects our commitment to supporting people of all ages to live healthy lives and our work to promote the concepts of well-being and positive health. Our values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship and Innovation continue to unite and direct our purpose.
About Our Research
RCSI recognises that excellence in research is critical to the quality of its educational activities, its credibility, and, overall, to its mission to enhance human health. RCSI's research strategy aims to build upon its strength in translational biomedical and clinical research to deliver transformational, high impact changes in health care. Targeting both Irish national and EU funding, along with increased collaboration with industry, is a major part of the RCSI research strategy. Forging increased collaboration between RCSI PIs and industry is of critical importance to achieving success in this area. RCSI is also committed to provide its researchers with the supports and developmental opportunities to enable them to continuously grow and support their overall career development.
The objective of the post is to assist with technical support for the expansion of postgraduate laboratory student numbers and School research facilities.
Specifically, the duties of the post are:
§ Ensuring that our research and teaching laboratories are run to world class standards and in a cost-effective manner
§ Maintaining laboratory equipment to the required standards and specifications
§ Provide technical support for preparation, set-up and take down of the School's teaching practicals
§ Providing administrative and project management support on initiatives which improve the overall performance of the School
§ Supporting the development of excellence in quality and delivery of service in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
§ Providing training and/or inductions for students and staff members on specialised equipment or complex techniques that may require specific skills/training
§ Ordering equipment and consumables and ensuring efficient and cost-effective procurement of supplies.
§ Liaising with administrative departments (Estates, Research Office, Finance, Human Resources, Medical Faculty)
§ Liaising with both internal and external contractors/service providers
§ Stock control of consumables and equipment
§ Undergoing programmes of training and development as may be required from time to time
§ Representing the best interests of the School/College at all time
§ Performing such other duties as may be required from time to time
Qualifications – (Essential):
§ Undergraduate science-based qualification suitable to the post; e.g. Biomedical-Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology
Knowledge & Experience – ( Essential):
§ Experience working in both research and teaching environment
§ Experience in at least two core areas (Tissue Culture, Flow Cytometry, Microbiology, HPLC, Nanoparticle analysis, QPCR)
§ Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
§ Experience in the implementation of laboratory safety regulations
§ Strong computer skills
§ Individual should have excellent problem-solving ability, capable of flexibility and multi-tasking.
Knowledge & Experience – ( Desirable):
§ Experience and a proven track record in a similar role would be an advantage
§ Experience working in a Pharmaceutics environment
§ Experience in the operation and maintenance of research laboratory instrumentation.
§ Experience in the operation of multidisciplinary research laboratories.
Onsite Training Opportunity
• As part of this role, the successful candidates will have the opportunity to be upskilled in multiple lab techniques including Tissue Culture, Flow Cytometry, Microbiology, HPLC, Nanoparticle analysis, QPCR together with teaching opportunities in lab setting.
We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application — we'd love to hear from you.
Application Process
Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter.
Informal Enquiries can be directed to Ms. Sophie Cassidy at [email protected]. Please note we do not accept CVs directly.
Click here to read our Recruitment and Selection Policy for Researcher.
Employee Benefits
RCSI make sure you have the resources you need to thrive by offering a wide range of benefits in areas including time away, finance, community, health, and well-being and insuring your financial future. Below are some additional benefits available to you as an RCSI employee:
• Minimum of 20 days annual leave, plus an additional 6.5 Privilege days
• Flexible/hybrid working options for colleagues across many roles
• Additional leave options incl. paid maternity leave, paternity/parental leave, study leave
• 7% Employer pension contribution
• Onsite gym €10 per/mth incl. classes and PT sessions
• Childcare support 20% discount at Giraffe
• Free eye test and annual flu vaccination
• TaxSaver commuter tickets and Bike to Work schemes
• A site sustainability team focusing on the environmental initiatives; Green Campus Initiative '
• Competitively priced café and restaurant
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion forums, and network groups
• Employee assistance programme with Spectrum Life
• Learning and Development training programmes incl. LinkedIn Learning for career progression
• Discounted services incl. GP visits, 10% off dental, staff parking, mobile tariffs, Group Scheme discount on numerous brands
• Sports and social club incl. yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, Zumba, running club, social evenings, Summer BBQ
• Ticket Draws for events including; Rugby, Taste of Dublin, Dublin Horse Show, theatre, music & comedy events
Note: This job description may be subject to change to reflect the evolving requirements of the Department and RCSI. Similar vacancies that arise in the next 6 months may be filled from the pool of applicants that apply for this position. RCSI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or race. RCSI is committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across everything we do. This ensures we can all work and learn in an environment defined by dignity and respect. Eligibility to work in Ireland is a requirement of this role, Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later date. Under limited and specific circumstances (research/ specialist roles) RCSI may be in a position to seek a hosting agreement and/or work permits. Employees are required to undertake 6 months service in their current role before applying for other internal opportunities, unless agreed in advance by the SMT representative