The Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience (PDN) at the University of Cambridge is seeking an enthusiastic Higher Education Technician Apprentice from September 2024. If you would like to develop a career providing technical support for teaching in a supportive environment, we would love to hear from you.

The Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience delivers much of the teaching for the first two years of the Medicine and Veterinary Medicine courses, as well as three large courses available to students working towards a BA (Hons) in ‘Natural Sciences’. All of these undergraduate courses involve hands-on practical experimental work by the students, which takes place in the Department’s four teaching classrooms. The Apprentice will be an essential part of the Departmental Teaching team, who provide technical and administrative support for teaching and learning. You will study for the Education Technician Level 3 qualification.

Most of all, you will be a great team player and demonstrate your commitment to the apprenticeship. You will have good communication and interpersonal skills, and you will be well-organised and able to manage your own time. Due to the nature of this role, you will be able to follow procedures and protocols, and have a good level of physical fitness.

What you’ll do in a working day

  • Assist in the preparation of classrooms, including setting up equipment and teaching materials, clearing up, documenting student activities.
  • Safely demonstrate to students how to operate simple and more complex equipment or techniques.
  • Collect data, documentation and resources.
  • Maintain learning spaces, to ensure health & safety protocols are followed.
  • Undertake and maintain stock control including the management of stock records, purchasing/procurement, equipment inventory, safe receipt, delivery, handling and storage of goods and consumables.
  • Generate and maintain risk assessments, standard operating procedures and COSHH forms.
  • Monitor air quality.
  • Care of preserved ‘prosected’ tissue used for teaching.
  • Organise and catalogue dry learning materials, radiographs, museum pots, bones, plastinated specimens and online resources.
  • Museum curation, with a focus on student accessibility.
  • Learn about the general workings of a University.

    • The training you will be getting

    Through the training provider, CSR Scientific Training, you will undertake a Level 3 Education Technician Apprenticeship which will include:

  • Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification – Level 3 Education Technician.
  • On-the-job competency training.
  • IOSH Working Safely qualification.

    • Applicants should have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above (including Mathematics and English).

    Fixed-term: 27 months.

    The University is committed to the development of technicians and is a signatory to the national, sector-wide Technician Commitment . The Department is part of the School of Biological Sciences where there are very many opportunities and different tracks for career growth and development. Although the apprenticeship will be based within PDN, there will be opportunities to visit some of the other academic departments in the School of Biological Sciences, and to observe the work of other technicians as they go about their daily business of supporting the delivery of world-class teaching (subject to agreement with the relevant department).

    Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Tracey Flack, Chief HR Administrator: .

    On the online form you should explain:

  • The reasons for your application.
  • What attracts you to the apprenticeship route.
  • How your knowledge and skills match the requirements of the role.

    • Closing Date: 16 July 2024. Interviews are expected to take place soon after the closing date.

    The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

    The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.