NATS-269-24-R - Senior Technical Specialist (Mass Spectrometry Analytical Suite)

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Division of Natural Sciences
Location:  Canterbury
Salary:  £36,386 to £40,931 per annum
Grade:  Grade 7
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Release Date:  Monday 29 January 2024
Closing Date:  23.59 hours GMT on Monday 19 February 2024  (unless otherwise stated)
Reference:  NATS-269-24-R

Are you an experienced mass spectrometry analysis expert with extensive knowledge of Biosciences looking for your next challenge?

If yes, the School of Biosciences could be looking for you to join us as a Senior Technical Specialist (Mass Spectrometry Analytical Suite). The post holder will be a recognised expert in the mass spectrometry analysis and possess extensive and highly refined technical skills, gained through significant practical experience and theoretical understanding. The post holder will act as an internal and external consultant, and helping on the development and application of specialist techniques and procedures as well as the analysis and interpretation of results. The post holder will advise and assist students and staff in all aspects of the subject area, providing guidance on future resource requirements to support the delivery of teaching, research and innovation. 

Using their technical skills and knowledge, the post holder will take the lead in specialist support across the Division of Natural Sciences, providing technical training and setting technical standards. As a Senior Technical Specialist you will take the lead in developing and maintaining specialist mass spectrometry analytical facilities, ensuring effective, safe and efficient use of resources and equipment and manage operational priorities and service levels.  

As Senior Technical Specialist your duties will include:

• Providing expert technical advice and guidance in mass spectrometry and chromatography, acting as a lead expert and contact, supporting both teaching and research activities to deliver the very best customer experience and research impact. 
• Applying expert knowledge to the use and maintenance of equipment and facilities relating to mass spectrometry and chromatography, ensuring that the instrumentation is operating within agreed service levels.   
• Using your experience and knowledge in chemical analysis to support teaching, demonstrating and coaching activities, independently taking technical led sessions and developing supporting material. 
• Working collaboratively with senior academic staff to deliver specialist technical support to national and world leading research. Act as a specialist technical consultant to colleagues and external stakeholders as and when required.   
• Undertake regular preventative maintenance that might be expected from a specialist to ensure instrumentation is kept in working order.
• Develop and apply new technologies and approaches as required for teaching and research purposes.
• Managing access to instrumentation.
• Undertaking and reporting on external consultancy projects and analysis as agreed with the line manager.
• Develop new methodologies to expand the Division of Natural Sciences’ capabilities.

The successful candidate will have/be:

• Educated to University degree, Higher National Diploma or equivalent in a relevant subject or equivalent qualification or experience;
• Extensive experience in mass spectrometry
• Proven experience of working in a research setting;
• Experience in following protocols and operating complex technical equipment;
• Experience of developing or implementing new protocols and approaches.

In return we can offer you:

• An open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing, along with a range of great staff benefits including:
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• A competitive salary with an excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• On-campus cinema/theatre, sports facilities, library, nursery and food outlets, set among green, open space overlooking Canterbury Cathedral
• Study while you work discounts, cycle to work scheme, local business discounts
• On-site parking

Please note that we prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and promotes equality at all levels.