Cosmetic Science Support Technician

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Support Specialist Technicians with the day-to-day running of the Cosmetic Science & research laboratories.
• Assist students with formulation activities and the safe use of equipment.
• Assist with ordering and stock control of raw materials and consumables, including maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Prepare labs, equipment, materials and consumables for practical teaching sessions.
• Support the maintenance of Health and Safety procedures, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), risk assessments and safe working practices.
• Contribute to the delivery of technical resources, working collaboratively with the Cosmetic Science technical team to priorities identified by the Technical Coordinator and/or Specialist Technicians, with some scope to determine the order and sequence of assigned activities.
• Assist team members with resolving routine problems in the delivery of technical resources and services, using systematic and methodical approaches.
• Carry out basic and routine equipment maintenance, with guidance from senior technical staff, and maintain laboratories and work areas in a safe, orderly and hygienic condition.
• Undertake the daily preparation of facilities and resources, ensuring they are maintained in safe and effective working order and that relevant Health and Safety requirements and risk assessments are followed.
• Prepare learning materials, equipment and consumables for staff and students and ensure the appropriate return, storage and security of materials and equipment.
• Assist Specialist Technicians with the introduction of new processes, equipment and techniques in response to the changing needs of the Cosmetic Science curriculum.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to students within the postholder’s level of expertise, escalating more complex queries or specialist requirements to the appropriate member of the technical team.
• Support students during self-directed and open-access sessions, with senior technical staff available to address more complex technical or safety matters.
• Assist with the planning, preparation, installation and dismantling of exhibitions and other public-facing activities where required.
• Keep up to date with relevant technologies and laboratory practices through basic investigation, research, training and knowledge-sharing with colleagues.
• Develop competence in the use of standard laboratory equipment, processes and techniques, undertaking appropriate internal or external training in line with the needs of the Cosmetic Science curriculum.

Experience, knowledge and qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of relevant Health and Safety requirements within a lab environment.
• Knowledge and practical experience of Cosmetic Science labs, equipment, raw materials and formulation processes.
• Experience or working knowledge of rheology and texture analysis.
• Familiarity with microscopy and HPLC techniques would be desirable.
• Understanding of good laboratory practice and safe handling and storage of chemicals and raw materials.