The NTDC Appoints Three New Specialist Advisors

I began my career at the University of Leeds in 1995 as a research technician in Plant Sciences. Over the years I have transitioned into a management role and currently serve as the  Lead Technician in the School of Biology. Alongside this I am the Technician Lead for the Technician Commitment, collaborating with the 400 technicians across our faculties.

Joining the NTDC as a Specialist Advisor is a significant milestone. For many years, I have been able to call on the knowledge of the staff and the Specialist Advisors at NTDC to help support the work we have been doing at the University of Leeds. In particular, running the NTDC Skills, Roles and Responsibility survey gave me an in depth understanding of our technical workforce, and being a member of the ETP Pathway Working Group has broadened my understanding of the role of ETPs across the sector. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with others to benefit the wider technical community.

Ceri Heldreich, University of Derby

I graduated from Oxford Polytechnic in 1987 with a degree in Earth Science and I have worked as a technician at the University of Derby (Formerly Derbyshire College of Higher Education) since January 1988.

I originally started a Geology Technician, then moved into Environmental Sciences, Geography and finally into Sport and Exercise Science. I had no background in Sport Science but after years as a high performance rower I was asked if would take on the role as, in the words of my line manager ''well you are sporty''. It was a very quick and steep learning curve.

I've been a Technical Team Leader since 2015, leading the Sport and Exercise Science Technical Team, and at various times in the last 10 years, I have also been Team Leader for Forensic Science, Biomedical Science and Psychology.

You could say I'm the original Jack of all Trades - Master of None. I am however passionate about making life better for the Technicians at UoD and lead on the Technician Commitment, heading the Technician Champions group as well as being on the Technician Commitment steering group.

I was absolutely delighted to be invited to become a Specialist Advisor with NTDC, as I really enjoyed contributing to the ETP report. I look forward to working with NTDC colleagues and the wider technical community.

Jacqueline Greef, Queen Mary University of London

I work at Queen Mary University of London where I am the Laboratory and Field Research Facilities Manager in the School of Geography. My main responsibilities are to provide comprehensive laboratory, fieldwork, health and safety and scientific support to the School of Geography, through managing the Laboratory and Field facilities to meet the strategic needs and priorities for teaching and research. I provide operational management to a team of technicians and lead the planning, development and delivery of the schools technical support. I work collaboratively with Head of school, School manager, Director of research, principle investigators and academic staff to ensure the smooth running of the Laboratories and equipment, whilst balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders including undergraduates, postgraduates, academic staff and external customers.

I am also an active member of the Technician Commitment Steering Group within QMUL, which gives me opportunities to work with our brilliant technical community and support raising their profile across the organization.

Working alongside the NTDC has been a rewarding and inspiring experience and I am keen to support, promote and raise awareness of the fantastic work that the NTDC are doing for the technical community. I am very proud to be joining the NTDC as a specialist advisor and this role will give me the opportunity to be involved and have a voice in the valuable projects and work that the NTDC are undertaking. Meeting and contributing to discussions with members of the NTDC, as well as other specialist advisors from institutions across the country, will not only give me the opportunity to engage and offer my viewpoints and specific discipline expertise to contribute to the NTDCs work, but will also enhance my understanding of the projects and policies the NTDC are working towards and will enable me to build and foster collaborations to help knowledge exchange. I will be able to share information around my professional networks, enhancing the offer to technical staff not only in my own institution but more widely with others across the sector to support and strengthen the impact of the NTDCs work within the education sector.