Technical Manager (Electron Microscopy)

Job id: 082866. Salary: £43,205 to £50,585 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 22 January 2024. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

Business unit: Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sci. Department: Engineering.

Contact details:Ben Blackburn. [email protected]

Location: Strand Campus. Category: Professional & Support Services.

The Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES) is a vibrant faculty based in the heart of London with a long tradition of world-leading research and teaching in physics, mathematics, chemistry, informatics and engineering.   

The Technical Manager (Electron Microscopy) will be responsible for the faculty’s electron microscopy facilities, forming a flagship capability of the Strand Research Facility for which the role-holder will have general oversight. The role-holder will be expected to work primarily with the Plasma Focused Ion Beam (PFIB) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipment suite, and will be expected to support, enable, and enhance world-leading research. They will actively prepare and deliver scientific papers and contribute extensively to research and method development. 

The role-holder will manage all aspects of these core analytical facilities, delivering training, advice, and support to lab users whilst ensuring compliance with all relevant safety and management standards. 

The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic, experienced technical manager or researcher with proven expertise in electron microscopy and a broad interest in materials characterisation.  

The successful candidate will be an active member of King’s Technical Network, engaging in Faculty and College initiatives to strengthen and share best practices, with an ongoing commitment to professional development. They will facilitate an inclusive culture and ethos in line with King’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategy, proactively liaising with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels. 

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract. 

This is a full-time

• Manage the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Plasma Focused Ion Beam (PFIB) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipment suite.
• Assume ownership and management the Strand Research Facility, including a suite of standard materials characterisation instruments. Maintain all lab assets in compliance with all relevant procedures/systems and health and safety regulations.
• Plan and implement end-to-end lifetime lab asset management, from procurement to replacement.
• Organise and manage facility installation, maintenance and security, with oversight of local service budgets, stocks, equipment and supplies.

• Develop and maintain specialist expertise in PFIB, SEM and TEM systems.
• Develop state-of-the-art techniques and methodologies, including sample preparation and correlative characterisation approaches.
• Contribute to the production, processing, interpretation and publication of data for research.
• Maintain the equipment for safe use and manage the inventory, scheduling, risk assessments and standard operating procedures for activities.
• Develop training materials and provide training and supervision for the faculty, researchers, and students.
• Support the supervision and training of academics and students in the electron microscopy/materials characterisation  laboratory and elsewhere where appropriate.
• Encourage user ownership and shared responsibility within the facilities and promote an inclusive environment for diverse students.
• Provide, when required, technical cover and support across the department’s research laboratories.
• Assume responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of health  and safety arrangements in all assigned areas. Prepare and maintain safety documentation and assist with the investigation of accidents/incidents/near-miss events.
• Working with colleagues in Health and Safety Services, maintain a sound working knowledge of all relevant regulations, codes of practice and local guidance/protocols.
• Undertake Evacuation Marshal and First Aid duties for the areas of responsibility.

• Maintain accurate and organised electronic records in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation and cyber security best practice.
• Work both independently and cooperatively as appropriate to achieve the service objectives, taking independent decisions as appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong relationships and networks with lab users, colleagues and contractors.
• Implement environmentally sustainable practices, processes and sharing of best practice.
• Commit to ongoing professional development.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Essential criteria  

1.     Level 7/8 qualification, e.g., Masters or PhD in a relevant field or equivalent, plus substantial work experience in a relevant technical/scientific service post. 

2.     Have substantive experience in PFIB and SEM equipment, including commissioning, setup, usage, training and development of equipment/techniques. 

3.     Understand the processes of sustaining and progressively developing a research facility. 

4.     Have knowledge of best practices in laboratory techniques, processes, form and function. 

5.     Experience working in and providing technical support across various laboratory techniques and practices. 

6.     Comprehensive knowledge of regulations and best practices governing research laboratories, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability. 

7.     Self-motivated with the proven ability to undertake independent work and work and collaborate as a team/s. 

8.     Ability to prioritise tasks whilst working to deadlines and demonstrating attention to detail. 

9.     Experience in working individually or as part of a team to achieve specified goals. 

10.   Strong interpersonal and behavioural skills with the proven ability to build professional and effective working relationships with internal contacts, the wider university community, external suppliers and other HE institutions. 

11.   Strong written, oral, and IT communication skills, with significant experience of scientific report writing. 

12.   Ability to organise and manage own workload. 

Desirable criteria

1.       Formal Health and Safety qualification or willingness to gain qualification/s whilst in post. 

2.       Evidence of an active commitment to professional development, such as working towards CEng or CSci. 

3.       Experience in training and/or supervising research students. 

4.       Excellent planning & organisational skills as evidenced by successfully managing research facilities.