Job Purpose To demonstrate use of practical equipment (including where relevant, software packages), experiments, exercises, techniques and/or processes that may form an element of an undergraduate course of study in line with specific learning objectives, set by others. To oversee students carrying out such experiments, exercises etc and offer assistance as appropriate.

Main Responsibilities

1. To demonstrate use of practical equipment, conduct experiments, exercises, workshops and/or processes and to answer questions related to those demonstrations.

2. To assist/give guidance, where required, to students who are carrying out practical exercises etc.

3. Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.

4. To be aware of any health and safety implications of procedures, and take action to maintain a safe environment, raising any concerns with the course organiser/work supervisor.

5. Where required, provide feedback on student performance and any issues arising in the course of the demonstration, to the course organiser/work supervisor.

6. Where required, to assist in marking student tests set by the course organiser using defined marking criteria where marking requires little or no interpretation.

7. Where required, to ensure that equipment is functional and/or material for demonstrations, exercises etc is prepared before the start of the session.

8. Maintain student attendance records.

Planning and Organising

Demonstrators must ensure they are familiar with the equipment, tasks, processes or techniques etc to be demonstrated and clarify anything where necessary with the course organiser/work supervisor or tutor beforehand. May be required to carry out checks on the equipment to be used and carry out prescribed tasks within preset parameters of session.

Decision Making

Would feedback to course organiser/work supervisor/tutor any concerns e.g. students who were struggling, equipment which is not working properly etc. React appropriately to any health and safety or other emergencies during the session and report any health and safety concerns to supervisor. May mark student reports against set criteria.

Key Contacts/Communication

Students to whom demonstrating; course organiser/tutor; relevant technical staff.

Demonstrators may work in a range of staff, student or public areas.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Ability to assemble and use equipment (including, where relevant, software packages) relevant to the experiments, exercises and/or processes. Sufficient knowledge and skills to explain clearly the item, issue or technique being demonstrated with some requirement to match that to the needs of the specific group. Effective communication skills. Will usually hold a degree, or equivalent, relevant to the teaching area. Understanding of relevant health and safety procedures.