Senior Technician (Operations) x 2

The Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES) is a vibrant faculty based in the heart of London with a long tradition of world-leading research and teaching in physics, mathematics, chemistry, informatics and engineering.   

Two posts are available, presenting an exciting opportunity to join a highly skilled technical team supporting the faculty’s technical operations across the departments of Physics and Engineering, reporting to the respective Technical Managers (Operations) at the Strand Campus. 

The role-holders will have responsibility for the day-to-day running and maintenance of the Physics and Engineering laboratories, workshops and auxiliary facilities. They will join a team of technicians, working collaboratively with academic and professional services stakeholders to provide technical support for research and education activities across the two departments. 

The ideal candidates will have a background in engineering, physical or chemical sciences or a related discipline, with experience in a higher education (HE) research environment. They will have knowledge and experience of laboratory and/or workshop health and safety, general technical support/troubleshooting, training and supervision across a range of lab or workshop-based activities. 

The successful candidates will be active members of the King’s Technical Network, engaging in Faculty and University initiatives to strengthen and share best practice, with an ongoing commitment to professional development. They will facilitate an inclusive culture and ethos in line with King’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategy, proactively liaising with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels.  

This posts will be offered on an indefinite contract

These are full-time posts - 35 hours a week

• Be responsible for the delivery of the day-to-day operations and maintenance of laboratories, workshops and auxiliary technical facilities 
• Organise the installation, maintenance and servicing of equipment, ranging from general lab equipment to analytical instrumentation, along with maintaining lab consumables.
• Develop and deliver technical training and safety induction materials for students and staff.
• Prepare, maintain and review safety documentation including risk assessment and Standard Operating Procedures, and assist with the investigation of accidents, incidents and near miss events.
• Working with colleagues in Health and Safety Services, maintain a sound working knowledge of all relevant regulations, codes of practice and local guidance/protocols.
• Undertake Evacuation Marshal and First Aid duties for the areas of responsibility.

• Work with academic and Professional Services stakeholders to ensure a complete technical service for the areas of responsibility. 
• Maintain accurate and organised electronic records in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation and cyber security best practice. 
• Manage own workload, pattern of work and resources based on an agreed work plan. Being responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided. Working independently and cooperatively as appropriate to provide a resilient and continuous service. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships and networks with lab users, colleagues and contractors. Adhering to and implementing environmentally sustainable practices and processes. 
• Commit to ongoing professional development, undertaking training in as and when appropriate and agreed with the line manager. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Essential criteria  

1.      Minimum level 4 qualification, e.g. higher apprenticeship, HNC or other Level 4 award, plus work experience in a relevant field, or considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific post. 

2.      Evidence of an active commitment to professional development (such as RSci, working towards CSci) 

3.      Extensive technical knowledge and skills of a research laboratory environment in a relevant field, e.g. physics, engineering, chemistry. 

4.      Have practical experience across various research disciplines, for example, spectrometers, FTIR, SEM, AFM, GCMS, glovebox use material testing, HPLC, or similar. 

5.      Good working knowledge of regulations and best practice governing Scientific Engineering research laboratories, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability. 

6.      Strong written, oral, and IT communication skills, in particular when conveying complex information to a lay/ non-expert audience.  

7.      Effective communication skills and the ability to work as part of team. 

8.      Ability to organise and manage own workload. 

9.      Excellent planning & organisational skills, managing competing priorities and work with minimal supervision. 

10.    Ability to train staff, researchers, and technical staff. 

11.    Ability to take effective decisions and be an effective problem solver. 

Desirable criteria

1.      MSc or PhD in relevant subject, e.g., engineering and or physics. 

2.      Experience of supervising/advising junior team members, giving feedback on performance levels and training/coaching where necessary. 

3.      Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required e.g. during a weekend open day event. 

4.      Formal Health and Safety qualification or willingness to gain qualification/s whilst in post, e.g. NEBOSH/IOSH  

5.      Have practical experience across various research disciplines, for example: spectrometry, spectroscopy, chromatography, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, glovebox techniques, materials/mechanical testing and characterisation, makerspace/workshops, or similar. 

6.      Knowledge and experience maintaining laboratory/manufacturing equipment with basic electronics circuits, 3D printers, power/hand tools.  

This Job description pertains to multiple posts, some of which are based primarily in the Physics department, some within the Engineering Department. All Posts come under the faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences. Cross departmental work and collaboration will be a key aspect of both of these roles.