Characterisation Support Technician

School of Metallurgy and Materials, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
 
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £21,000 to £22,414. With potential progression once in post to £27,268 a year

Closing Date: 12 June 2022 

The University of Birmingham is committed to engineering excellence, and the School of Metallurgy and Materials is one of the UK’s leading centres for research, education, and innovation. The School is proud of its strong and extensive links with industry and boasts a creative and dynamic environment, which provides opportunities for both staff and students to develop. The Characterisation facilities in the School of Metallurgy and Materials plays a vital role in delivery of cutting-edge, practical research. Also, high quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

You will provide technical support for teaching activities, along with occasionally supporting research and outreach activities as required. You will utilise your technical skills and a wide range of techniques, being responsible for running, maintaining and advising users of the metallurgical sample preparation (including cutting, mounting, grinding/polishing & etching). You will ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. You will be expected to replenish laboratory consumables and manage the chemicals involved in etching (including maintaining an inventory and COSHH forms). You will also be responsible for delivering training and demonstrate techniques to staff & students in a variety of sample preparation and etching techniques.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience

• NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent level three qualification and specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• Practical experience of using metallurgical sample preparation (including cutting, mounting, grinding/polishing & etching) and a working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice.
• Experience of working in a laboratory based teaching or research environment; or be able to demonstrate the capability to participate with practical classes.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload after consultation with manager.
• Familiarity with the use of a wide range of general laboratory equipment e.g. balances, pH meters, autoclaves, glass washing machines, microscopes.
• Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters, together with the communication skills to interact with a range of people, including students.
• Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines.
• The post-holder will be fully familiar with the safe handling and storage of laboratory materials.
• Good IT skills, having a familiarity with both Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS will be advantageous.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

For further information please contact Thomas Hutchinson, [email protected]

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button below or visit https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/jobs/index.aspx . Please quote Job Ref 97385 in all enquiries. 

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment 

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.