Research Technician (Workshop) – College of Engineering and Physical Sciences – 98254 – Band 400

Research Technician (Workshop) – College of Engineering and Physical Sciences – 98254 – Band 400

Position Details

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £20,488 to £21,868. With potential progression once in post to £26,603 a year.

Band 400

Full Time

Permanent

Closing date: 4 October 2021

Please note, this vacancy is open to internal candidates only

Job Summary

Reporting to the College Head of Infrastructure and Facilities, the context of this role is to develop, manufacture, assemble and maintain items and mechanical equipment used in teaching and research using a vast array of materials, tools and machinery. The post holder will be based in one of two mechanical workshop sites across the College. The post holder will be expected to occasionally move location according to business need, as directed by the manager. 

You will provide technical support for research activities as required, utilising your technical skills and a wide range of techniques.   You will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions.  You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate research activity.  In order to flexibly use resource you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.

This role is primarily concerned with advising and supporting research staff and students. There will be no direct line management responsibility (other than occasional instructions to other staff) and no budget to manage. The postholder must be able to schedule and organise own work within the priorities and requirements for the area. The postholder is expected to deliver a level of service as agreed, carrying out daily research support as required and to assist in analysis and interpretation of research results.

Main Duties

Workshop duties

• Development, construction, installation and modification of equipment for use in research and teaching, working to very high standards and precision of fit.  This can include modifications to commercially bought in items. Much of the research work is one-off and some of it is operated in remote locations and at international institutions so the quality and attention to detail is very important.
• Jobs can be very small and intricate to large, complex and heavy.  There may occasionally be small batch work and production runs.  All must be completed as efficiently as possible using optimal tooling, speeds and feeds. (Quality and attention to detail is very important. Consequences of failure of standards can be severe and cause considerable disruption and loss of resource).
• To use the full range of mechanical workshop machinery including lathes, milling machines, drilling machines etc, and further develop skills in the use of precision measuring instruments. 
• Develop CNC machining ability on the job through appropriate internal training using full range of multi axis CNC machinery.  This includes CAM software development.
• To be conversant with the means of fabrication of metals by hard and soft soldering, brazing and the various welding techniques.
• To appropriately record and keep track of jobs, noting hours worked and materials using the online job sheet.
• The safety, security and tidiness of the workshop and machines are ongoing activities to constantly review and undertake.
• To appropriately select materials to use in projects, based primarily on their physical and chemical properties.
• To produce engineering drawings, models, and assemblies using a variety of CAD packages.  Development of basic design skills, analysing proven engineering methods in the use of fasteners, bearings and simple mechanisms etc. is expected as experience is gained.    
• Carry out servicing and maintenance of workshop machine tools.
• Undertake any other duties across the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences as directed by the Workshop Manager, or Head of Infrastructure and Facilities.
• Carry out techniques and procedures as required by research staff, students, and Principal Investigators designed to contribute to a specific research project or projects. 
• Expected to resolve problems in area of expertise, but also to recognise when problems need to be referred to more senior staff.
• Maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out, and of any other research activities you may be involved in, including results.
• Comply with any legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for the activity.
• Demonstrate techniques to other staff and/or students on the area of expertise as required.
• Contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety

• Expected to uphold compliance with all University and local Health & Safety policies, including risk assessments and manual handling, reporting any breaches or non-compliance to the relevant manager.
• Expected to manage the safe handling and disposal of all materials used in Workshop laboratories, including hazardous materials.
• If required, assist or prepare risk assessments and keep these up to date.
• Maintain all records as appropriate.
• Carry out regular maintenance processes as appropriate.

Administrative duties

• May be required to assist with PAT testing and calibration of equipment, and with updating equipment inventories.
• Maintain stocks of Workshop consumables and, if necessary, creating purchase order requisitions.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables and materials.
• Ensure that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems.
• Reporting any problems with equipment or services which cannot be resolved to the line manager or as appropriate.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures where practicable.
• Support equality and values diversity, moderate behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post holder.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required

• NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent level three qualification and specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in Mathematics and English.
• Practical experience of Mechanical Workshop techniques and a working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice.
• Experience of working in a Workshop environment; and demonstrate the capability to participate in Workshop projects.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload (after consultation with manager)
• Familiarity with the use of a wide range of general Workshop equipment and instruments including lathes.
• 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.
• Be fully familiar with the safe handling and storage of Workshop materials.
• Good IT skills, having a familiarity with both Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS, will be advantageous.
• Understanding of the importance of, and ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

Informal enquiries to Mr Antony Jones, [email protected]  

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community

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