Materials Technician

Job Purpose

To work in support of teaching and research activities in the Materials, Concrete and Soils Labs and as required elsewhere in the James Watt School of Engineering. To produce or prepare samples for testing. To set up samples in testing equipment and carry out tests. To set up and support undergraduate Teaching Labs. To produce simple jigs, fixtures, and formwork. To assist in the mechanical maintenance, service, and repair of laboratory equipment. To ensure Concrete, Materials and Soils Labs have a high standard of housekeeping and safe use.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To set up and prepare undergraduate teaching labs in the Materials, Concrete and Soils Labs and provide advice and guidance to students on use of equipment and test procedures as directed.

2. To provide advice and guidance on use of equipment to undergraduate and MSc students undertaking Individual Projects in the Materials, Concrete and Soils Labs and to research students working in the Concrete and Soils Labs.

3. To produce test samples in a variety of materials to a high standard for use in teaching and research labs throughout the School of Engineering.

4. To set up and test samples, collect data and report results as directed, using measuring equipment accurately and effectively.

5. To produce simple jigs, fixtures, and formwork, using a full range of power tools and hand tools in a safe and competent manner and ensuring a high standard of workmanship and finish within predetermined timescales.

6. To assist in routine maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment, as required.

7. To source and procure materials and lab consumables as required.

8. To understand and acknowledge risks associated with the job and approach work in a safe manner. Carry out all work in accordance with control measures identified through risk assessment. Apply and adhere to wider Health and Safety policies as determined by the University and HSE.

9. To actively pursue personal development and improvement of technical skills by gaining experience and knowledge in a broad range of areas serviced by the Laboratory Services Division.

10. To fully engage with university initiatives such as The Technician Commitment and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Civil/Mechanical Engineering Modern Apprenticeship and SVQ level 2/3 or equivalent formal qualification (HNC, City & Guilds, etc.) or alternatively substantial additional relevant work experience (in addition to that set out in E1) if without qualifications.

A2 Knowledge of fundamental principles of civil/mechanical engineering and mechanical behaviour of materials.

A3 Good knowledge and understanding of relevant health and safety policies and procedures.

Desirable:

B1 Knowledge of concrete production and testing processes.

B2 Knowledge of soil testing processes.

B3 Knowledge of manufacturing techniques

Skills

Essential:

C1 Able to set up laboratory equipment and advise others on correct use.

C2 Able to work from technical drawings/sketches and verbal instructions.

C3 Competent in use of hand tools.
C4 Able to plan and organize work delegated by the Technical Manager.

C5 Good technical problem-solving skills.

C6 Basic IT skills, such as use of standard Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, etc.)

C7 Good interpersonal skills
C8 Able to work independently and as part of a team

C9 Good communication skills.

Desirable:

D1 Able to produce concrete samples and cast concrete beams.
D2 Able to prepare soil samples and perform standard soil tests.

D3 Able to design and produce simple formwork for casting of concrete.

D4 Able to operate workshop machine tools such as pedestal drills, lathes, and milling machines.

D5 Able to use mechanical testing and measurement equipment.

Experience

Essential 

E1 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.

E2 Experience of working independently but under the direction of a manager.
E3 Experience of planning and scheduling work and managing time efficiently.

E4 Experience of working safely in accordance with health and safety protocols.

Desirable:

F1 Experience of concrete testing.
F2 Experience of soil testing.

F3 Experience of operating workshop machine tools eg lathes, milling machines and drills.

Other

This role is appropriate for candidates who have recently completed a Mechanical or Civil Engineering Modern Apprenticeship, SVQ3 and relevant HNC and are keen to further develop their skills in the job. This role is also suitable for candidates with experience in materials testing or construction/building site experience.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 3, £21,900 - £22,681 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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