Buckinghamshire New University
Technical Demonstrator (SFX)
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Part Time (22.5 hours per week) - Temporary Contract (until June 2027) - High Wycombe
Salary
- £17.65 per hour pro rata
We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently - because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.
So this is an exciting moment to join us. We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible.
We have an exciting opportunity for a SFX Technical Demonstrator to join our Technical and Simulation Resources team until June 2027. The purpose of the role is to provide theoretical and practical support to students in SFX including both casting and moulding using silicone and fibreglass while providing additional support to the wider technical team.
The role will be varied and will include having responsibility for Health and Safety, Maintenance and consumable stock control. There will be some autonomy in making decisions which support the student experience as well as a variety of other tasks which are detailed in the job description.
You must have excellent practical knowledge in prosthetics, mould making and special effects techniques, be organised, have a keen eye for detail and be comfortable dealing with a variety of personality types in a changing environment with strict deadlines as well as managing and supporting team members.
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
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Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Enrico Garofalo enrico.garofalo@bnu.ac.uk
All applications are to be made in full and online.
We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to Enrico Garofalo if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.
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Closing Date
- 31 August 2026
Interview Date
- TBC
Please note that an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this position. The successful applicant will be required to give consent to check their criminal record status through the DBS. Information will be kept in strict confidence. Your offer of appointment will be subject to the University being satisfied with the outcome of this check.
If you are invited to interview for this role, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and if on a visa, current visa and status. Due to the salary for this post, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship to the successful candidate.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.
Job Description
Job Title: Technical Demonstrator (SFX)
Faculty/Directorate: CIO Group
Grade: F
Location: High Wycombe
Hours: 0.6FTE (3 days per week) 22.5 hours
Responsible to: Technical Manager; Art, Design, Media Production and Performance
Responsible for: N/A
Job Purpose
The purpose of the role is to provide theoretical and practical support to students in special effects, mould making and prosthetics. The post holder will practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.
Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Role
- To demonstrate SFX techniques and processes to student either individually or in groups.
- Prepare equipment and materials for use by SFX students and lecturers including mould making using both silicone and fibre glass.
- To ensure that equipment is correctly stored and maintained, ensuring adequate supplies of consumables.
- To support students and staff and ensure they are confident and proficient in the safe use of software and equipment.
- To provide digital support to students as required.
- To assist with the presentation of project work.
- Preparation of materials for assessment.
- To maintain inventories of equipment and licenses, identifying issues and reporting to senior colleagues as appropriate.
- To provide operational support to senior colleagues as and when required.
- To help to ensure all areas provide a clean, safe and secure working environment and satisfy relevant Health and Safety regulations, reporting any concerns to senior managers.
- To collaborate with colleagues across the wider Directorate to provide a customer-focussed service, playing a proactive role in improving the Student Experience.
- To contribute to the student experience - demonstrating an awareness of the need for ‘customer focus’ in respect of resolving issues.
- To be responsible for the booking and scheduling of sessions, liaising with academic staff and timetabling.
- Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices
- Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
Education, Qualifications & Training
- Educated to A Level standard or equivalent
- Relevant technical qualification eg, HND, BA
Knowledge & Experience
- Delivering an excellent customer experience
- Detailed knowledge of techniques or processes relevant to post.
- Proven experience of managing multiple resource demands within an HE context
- Proven experience of common SFX techniques and processes
- Proven experience of working within teams
- Understanding of budget management processes
- Good working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety policies
- Evidence of demonstrating complex specialist tasks and procedures
- Experience of working in a SFX workshop or similar, including mould making.
Skills
- Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent practical skills working with a range of materials
- Empathy and Understanding
- Good negotiation skills
- Ability to work under pressure and against tight deadlines
- Ability to make informed decisions
Special Requirements
- To be prepared to work evenings and weekends when required.
- To be willing and able to travel between sites as and when required
BBF (Top 3 key behavioural categories most applicable to the role)
- Managing Self And Personal Skills
- DELIVERING EXCELLENT SERVICE
- ACHIEVING RESULTS
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