The Role

The TORUS research programme ( is an EPSRC-funded project which aims to improve the way in which the symptoms of Parkinson's are measured,enabling better assessment of the efficacy of treatments provided for patients. The programme has created a platform of sensor technology, which is currently installed at the SPHERE house (a living lab), and will later be deployed in the homes of people with Parkinson's.

To support this project, we are looking for an IT installation technician to undertake the installation of sensors and networking equipment in the homes of patients.

State-of-the-art sensors have been developed as part of the TORUS project and will be installed in private homes of people living with Parkinson's within the Newcastle area over a period of several months and up to a year. As the primary task of the role holder is installing sensors in houses of members of the public, some out-of-hours working may be needed, the role holder will be informed in advance.

When not undertaking remote installations, you will help the research team in the lab - troubleshooting technical issues, getting equipment ready for deployment, and undertaking routine lab housekeeping activities.

You will be part of an interdisciplinary team within the Digital Health Innovation in Ageing and Neurodegeneration (DIAN) Research Group Research Group based in the Translational and Clinical Research Institute at Newcastle University.

Reporting to the Institute Technical Manager team and Dr Silvia Del-Din, the role will display an in-depth knowledge of technical or scientific practices,



methods and procedures gained through either experience and/or formal qualification and will deploy this knowledge to provide a range of technical support activities

As part of this role, you'll need a willingness to travel to the homes of research participants to install technology. You will hold a valid UK Driving License and have access to a car.

The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check.

This post is fixed term for 24 months. Contact for the post is: Isabel Neatrour (k)

Key Accountabilities

Working with the research team and patients to plan and undertake the installation of sensors in the homes across Newcastle.

- Providing technical support / troubleshooting to ensure installed systems remain operational.
- Supporting the research team in identifying potential improvements in the collection of relevant data.
- Complete a range of routine and complex maintenance activities and repairs.
- Liaise with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve both routine and complex problems and investigate replacement options.
- Advise on equipment capabilities demonstrating how results can be achieved.
- By developing local procedures, establish and maintain a secure/compliant working environment.




- Oversee compliance tasks ensuring timely completion and maintenance of appropriate records.
- Maintain in-depth and up-to-date health and safety knowledge and hold specific safety responsibilities relevant to the specialism. Assist with the completion and updating of a wide range of safety paperwork.
- Schedule, prioritize and monitor work in line with demands and deadlines.
- Hold delegated responsibility from the academic lead for the planning, operation and supervision of laboratory spaces occupied by the specialism.
- Be a key contributor to specialism development, delivery, and planning.
- Contribute to and support change.
- Manage one or more budgets monitoring resource usage.
- Source and negotiate with suppliers for a range of items including specialist parts/equipment.
- Create, update and implement procedures to deliver an aligned, efficient and effective service.
- Develop and deliver inductions, demonstrations and training covering complex techniques and specialist equipment.
- Assist managers with the identification of training and development needs and mentor junior staff

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

- Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical role
- Experience in the installation of IT equipment
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Experience in network administration, e.g. setting up access points, configuring wireless access for PCs and other devices.
- Demonstrates technical and problem-solving capacity.&

📌 Laboratory Technical Specialist (Newcastle)
🏢 Newcastle University
📍 Newcastle