Analytical Services Technician – Diffraction

Job Purpose

To manage the day to day running of the Diffraction facility, which includes powder and single crystal X-ray diffractometers and a dedicated electron diffractometer. The post involves providing an expert technical service, overseeing day-to-day operations, training and assisting users, carrying out data collection and detailed analyses on samples submitted to the facility, and coordinating the maintenance of instrumentation. The post is part the Analytical Services team within the College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) at the University of Glasgow.

Main Duties and responsibilities

1.  Undertake specialist technical aspects and provide technical expertise for the Diffraction facility (Malvern Panalytical Empyrean and Rigaku Miniflex for powder and thin film XRD, Bruker D8 Venture for single crystal XRD, and Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy ED electron diffractometer) as a member of the Analytical  Services team. Where required, support the supervision and training of students or other technical/research staff.

2.  Undertake complex data analysis, recommending solutions and conclusions. Present findings clearly to users and wider audiences via reports, presentations, and contributions to research publications.

3.  Be responsible for the management of technical aspects of the Diffraction facility, including management of the laboratory and technical resources, main point of contact for internal and external users. Ensure timely and operational delivery of technical resources is optimised and seek to continuously improve the technical service.

4.  Independently generate ideas and implement agreed proposals for experimental strategies.

5.  Design and create experiments, systems, protocols, equipment, and/or other technical resources to support the delivery of research objectives.

6.  Maintain a data management system, ensuring accurate records are kept and databases are updated accordingly, covering training, maintenance, authorised users, budgets, samples, etc.

7.  Keep up to date with developments in relevant research/technical areas and within the broader discipline to ensure contribution to research goals is optimised.

8.  Be responsible for troubleshooting complex technical problems, including issues with the design and operation of technical resources and/or with the data which is generated.

9.  Where relevant, take day to day control of research budget, creating spending plans, monitoring outgoings and targets, and providing summary reports as required.

10. Be responsible for the day-to-day management of, and compliance with, relevant Health and Safety and/or other specialist legal requirements. Maintain all necessary records in accordance with set requirements, keep up to date with developments or legal changes relevant to the work of the research group and advise and train group members as appropriate. Report any potential issues to relevant internal or external bodies timeously.

11. Work collaboratively with the Analytical Services manager and others, including within the wider College/Institute/School and where relevant with external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the research aims and support the broader strategic aims of the University. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required, including the Technician Commitment key themes,

https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/technicians/

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

A1. Either Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role OR: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 [Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma] or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or similar, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2. Significant breath or depth of up to date theoretical and practical specialist technical knowledge in crystallography and X-ray diffraction.

Desirable

B1. Up to date knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including by not limited to Health and Safety.

B2. Degree or equivalent in relevant discipline. Working towards Professional Registration with relevant body.

Skills

Essential

C1.  Demonstrable specialist technical skills aligned to the crystallography and powder diffraction, for example data collection of a range of samples, indexing, Rietveld analysis.

C2. Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist or bespoke software packages.

C3.  Significant analytical and problem-solving capability, including high degree of accuracy and attention to detail when dealing with complex data.

C4. Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret technical requirements of a research group and adapt own style to meet the needs of others.

C5. Excellent teamworking and supervisory skills.

C6.  Ability to plan and prioritise a broad range of technical work to meet competing demands.

Desirable

D1. Demonstrable specialist technical skills aligned to collection of single crystal diffraction data and structure determination and refinement.

Experience

Essential

E1. Significant relevant work experience within a similar research environment, including evidence of previous outputs and professional development.

E2. Experience of understanding and interpreting complex technical requirements of service users and implementing appropriate methods of achieving their needs.

E3. Experience of training and supervising  staff and/or students on the use of equipment and data analysis.

E4. Experience of operating independently in progressing and delivering research goals within set timescales.

Desirable

F1. Experience of managing budgets, including approving spends and monitoring outgoings on behalf of others.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332 - £36,024 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

3 A flexible approach to working.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community

https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/

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