Laboratory Technician (HTRC)

Position Details

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK 

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £25,506 to £27,399, with potential progression once in post to £31,718 

Job Summary

The post-holder will be responsible for supporting the research activities of the groups working within the Centre by providing characterisation, validation and laboratory support, in addition to supporting the routine testing, characterisation, verification and release of incoming materials and similar characterisation of materials sampled from within the manufacturing process. This will include maintaining records of work requested and completed, issuing data to the research projects to support the completion of their milestones, trend analysis and reporting of key characteristics using statistical process control methods. The post holder will operate and maintain a range of scientific equipment to required standards. Techniques to be operated will include room and elevated temperature mechanical properties, dilatometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, rheometry, porosimetry, X-ray diffraction and metallographic preparation and characterisation. The post holder may also be required to occasionally undertake similar duties for HTRC at the Edgbaston campus.

Main Responsibilities

Have some knowledge of the operation of a wide range of research equipment including but not limited to:

• Rheology.
• Thermal diffusivity.
• Dilatometry.
• Differential Scanning calorimetry.
• Thermogravimetric analysis.
• Laser scattering particle size analysis.
• X-ray diffraction.
• Porosimetry.
• Mechanical testing both elevated and ambient.
• Microscopy.
• Materialographic preparation equipment.

This will involve setting up tests and experiments, and acquiring and processing data for use in process monitoring and control, publications and related activities. Data related to normal operation of the Centre will be monitored and analysed using statistical process control methods.

• To track and record routine work throughput and discuss at weekly review.
• To advise, train, assist and supervise as appropriate academic and research staff and students on experimental and research techniques and technical issues. This would include assisting users in the obtaining of optimum results.
• Responsible for ensuring assigned items of laboratory equipment are kept in good working order and calibrated as/when required. This would include arranging maintenance and keeping appropriate records as required by the Quality Management System.
• Notify the Laboratory Manager of any foreseeable safety issues or requires changes to infrastructure.
• To support HTRC research projects, and provide technical assistance for collaborations and contribute to future direction of the projects, including on equipment usage and methods, developing and testing equipment and methods for novel analysis, and offering solutions.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required

• A science-based degree or equivalent experience gained in a laboratory environment.
• Material characterisation techniques and instrumentation.
• Data presentation and reporting.
• Hands-on experimental work.
• Method development.
• Some experience of materialographic preparation and the equipment involved.
• Some experience of the investment casting process.

For further information please contact Ben Goodyer [email protected]  or telephone 07973 781 126

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://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/requisitions . Please quote the Job Ref 100313 in all enquiries. 

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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.