Demonstrators

Job Purpose

To demonstrate the use of equipment (including, where relevant, software packages), experiments, techniques and exercises that may form an element of an undergraduate or taught postgraduate course, in line with specific learning objectives, set by others.

To oversee students carrying out such experiments, exercises etc, to offer assistance as appropriate, and to explain how the activity relates to the wider area of study.

Main Duties & Responsibilities 

1. To demonstrate to students the use of equipment, conduct of experiments, techniques and exercises and to answer questions related to those demonstrations.

2. To assist and give guidance to students during practical exercises, and to ensure that students complete lab books as required.

3. To provide factual feedback to students and the course organiser/laboratory leader.

4. Where required, to assist in marking student tests/assignments, where marking requires little or no interpretation, and according to assessment criteria set out by the course organiser/laboratory leader.

5. To be aware of any health and safety matters relating to a particular laboratory, and to take action to maintain a safe environment, raising any concerns with the course organiser/ laboratory leader.

6. To attend, where required, demonstrators’ meetings and laboratory run-throughs.

7. Where required, undertake attendance checking for Level-1 and Level-2 pre-requisite courses.

8. To assist, where required, with invigilating separate room class tests and examinations.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential

C1 Qualified to degree level in the biological/biomedical sciences or equivalent experience.

C2 Expert knowledge of the relevant subject area.

C3 Good English language skills.

C4 Good communication skills.

C5 Ability to assemble and use equipment (including, where relevant, software packages), relevant to the experiments, exercises and/or processes.

C6 Sufficient knowledge and skills to explain adequately and clearly the item/issue being demon­strated, and to match that to the needs of the specific group.

C7 Sufficient knowledge to provide more detailed explanation of how the activity relates to the wider area of study/underlying theory or understanding of the relevant principles and techniques in order to guide students appropriately.

C8 Professional attitude towards work, with a good attendance record.

Desirable

D1 Experience of working with students.