Clerical Assistant

Job Purpose: To provide a technical support service to academic and research staff and students.

MAIN ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.    Perform and record receipt of specimens and goods (reagents, consumables, etc) into the laboratory in accordance with SOPs and policies. 
2.    Operate and carry out routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as directed.  Ensure general laboratory tidiness.
3.      Perform regular inventory of stock and monitoring levels of stocks/stores to ensure there is adequate stock at all times for the area.
4.    Maintain accurate records of results as required by UKAS and other regulatory bodies and in a manner that will enable them to be accessed and interpreted as required 
5.    Maintain sample tracking processes and records and contribute to shipments of samples and reagents as required.
6.    Undertake core laboratory tasks such as preparation of solutions, storage of reagents and chemicals and appropriate waste disposal duties.
7.    Comply with Health and Safety procedures affecting self and others.
8.    Carry out any other duties which are appropriate to the post as may be reasonably requested by Supervisor.
 

Academic and/or vocational qualifications i.e. a minimum of 5 GCSE?s A-C and/or NVQ level 2 in relevant subject (or equivalent)

1. 1 year's relevant experience to include:
   At least 6 months working in a busy laboratory or laboratory prep area
   Previous experience in laboratory waste disposal and hazardous chemical handling/disposal.
   Experience of using/maintaining general laboratory equipment.
2. Working knowledge of relevant systems, equipment and processes.
3. Understanding of relevant regulations and procedures including Health and Safety requirements.
4. IT skills
5. Good communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Ability to develop and demonstrate standard equipment and techniques
7. Ability to prioritise duties within own work schedule, under management of senior colleagues
8. Problem solving skills

School of Mathematics and Physics, Main Physics Building

General School Office Reception duties to provide one day cover from 9-5pm, on Wednesday 9 April 2025.

The role is customer focused and front-facing.

For queries and further information, please contact the School Office Coordinators: Tracie Andreasson (T.Andreasson@qub.ac.uk) or Jennifer McKee (j.mckee@qub.ac.uk).

A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent) to include English Language and Mathematics or NVQ Level 2 Administration (or equivalent)

Comprehensive IT literacy and up to date knowledge of relevant computer packages and information systems including

Ability to be customer focused

The role involves working closely with the Student Experience Team to enhance and support exceptional, enriching experiences for students. Successful candidates will be part of a team dedicated to engaging with students and providing them with the appropriate support and guidance when needed. The Student Experience Assistant position is open to all students, including both undergraduate and postgraduate. Given certain aspects of the role, we particularly encourage applications from international students and individuals who are fluent in multiple languages. 

Major Duties - 

Customer Service: Work as part of the Student Experience Team to deliver excellent customer service by responding promptly to student and staff queries, signposting services, and promoting student activities.

University Ambassador: Represent the University as an Ambassador while performing all duties.

Student Information Point: Act as the first point of contact for students at the Student Information Point and One Elmwood, answering queries, promoting services, and directing students to the relevant information or platforms.

Collaboration & Support: Work with various services to address student queries and signpost essential resources (e.g., support services, Student Wellbeing, Careers and Student Support).

Campus Support: Assist with campus duties, including the pre-semester engagement program, orientation, and supporting students with settling in. Help with additional projects to improve student awareness of available services.

Event Management: Support the setup, and delivery of student-led events, including technical and logistical support (e.g., room setup, registrations).

Administrative Support: Perform tasks using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, MS Teams), including data entry, filing, and managing spreadsheets.

Marketing Contribution: Assist with the promotion and marketing of student services, contributing to content creation and social media efforts.

Additional Duties: Complete any other tasks reasonably requested by the supervisor.

Application Process:  

Interested applicants can apply through QWork via the link below:- 

https://www.q-work.co.uk/  

Please apply by submitting an up-to-date CV with your education and employment history, including any paid and voluntary roles you have undertaken, as well as the experience and skills you acquired. 

Please submit a supporting cover letter.  

There is no minimum or maximum word limit, but a minimum suggestion would be 400+ words. 

Applications close at 5pm on 01/04/2025. Late applications will not be accepted. 

Within the Cover Letter, ensure that you address both the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as these are used by the shortlisting panel to assess your eligibility. It is important to provide clear evidence of how you meet these criteria.  

Please refer to Essential Criteria.

Applicants must be enrolled as students at Queen's University Belfast for the 2025/26 academic year and remain students until June 2026. Otherwise, their application will not be considered.

Hours will be available from July 2025 until July 2026. However, during quieter periods, hours may be limited and not guaranteed up to 10 hours per week.

Essential Criteria:  

• At least three months experience of undertaking a role requiring customer service skills or experience in delivering talks, workshops, etc. 
• Experience of working within a team. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly. 
• Experience of managing and delivering a project. 
• Experience of organising and/or promoting events/activities. 
• Experience using MS Office packages, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Available to work flexibly depending on service needs and availability. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Experience of working within a University setting 
• Experience of updating websites 
• Experience of working on marketing/promotional campaigns 
• Experience of designing publications/promotional materials 
• Experience of undertaking tours or presenting to groups of people 
• At least one month's experience of undertaking office-based administration e.g. answering the telephone.  
• Experience of using Social Media 

Successful candidates:   

• Reside in Belfast for their studies or plan to be during their studies 
• Commit to flexible working hours (12.60/hour) starting in April 2025. During busy times, you may receive up to 20 hours per week. However, during quieter periods, hours may be limited and not guaranteed up to 10 hours per week.
• Be required to attend in-person training; failure to do so will result in ineligibility for the position.