​​Technical Manager (X-ray diffractometer)​

Job id: 083746. Salary: £43,205 - £50,585 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 01 February 2024. Closing date: 29 February 2024.

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

Contact details:Victoria Snowden. [email protected]

Location: Guy's 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.   

This role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for running and developing the X-ray diffractometer, (XRD) service in the department, and supporting XRD activity across the faculty, providing expert guidance and advice to end users from method development to data collection and interpretation. Reporting to the Technical Services Manager at the Guys Campus. 

The role-holder will have recognised and extensive technical expertise in this specialty and will have responsibility for the XRD service and training, supporting research activities. They will co-ordinate activities across several different user groups, such as PhD students, researchers, external and industrial users, working collaboratively with academic and professional services stakeholders, to deliver an exceptional service and experience for all end users. 

The role-holder will have comprehensive knowledge and experience of maintaining both single crystal, (Rigaku), and powder, (Bruker) XRD. Managing the service, troubleshooting issues as they arise, finding solutions efficiently to minimise downtime, and being responsible for the compliance with Health & Safety and other relevant regulations governing the service.  

The successful candidate will be an active member of King’s Technical Network, engaging in Faculty and College initiatives to strengthen and share best practice, 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 post of 35 hours a week.

Management and leadership  

• Manage and develop, acting as technical specialist lead for XRD, the XRD service; promoting internally and externally to ensure wide exposure leading to utilisation of assets, engaging in collaborative projects to develop the specialism and service. 
• To provide technical advice, training, and instruction to service users, supporting research, and enterprise activities, as a member of the technical team. 
• Managing budgets for maintenance contracts, equipment, and consumables. 
• Assume ownership of assets in compliance with all relevant procedures/systems. Plan and implement end-to-end lifetime lab asset management, from procurement to replacement. 

Technical, health & safety

• Organise and manage the installation and maintenance of highly specialist complex equipment, (XRD), including initial troubleshooting and simple repairs, liaising with relevant specialists where necessary.
• Proactively setting up and conducting appropriate and relevant experiments, using a range of techniques to gather, analyse and produce data to support research and enterprise activities.
• Contribute to the production, processing, interpretation, and publication of data for research.
• To devise innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
• To develop and deliver induction training for all end users into the safe and effective use of XRD, producing instruction manuals/standard operating procedures in the use of specialist equipment and software, and provide support for project work if necessary. Learning new techniques, equipment/software, assessing the competence of users where appropriate and to keep records of induction.
• Assume responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of health & safety arrangements in all assigned areas, including radiation safety. 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. 

Professional

• Maintain accurate and organised electronic records in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation and cyber security best practice.
• Work independently, setting priorities for oneself. Work cooperatively to achieve the service objectives, taking independent decisions as appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong relationships and networks with lab users, colleagues and contractors. Implementing environmentally sustainable practices, processes and sharing good 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.       Evidence of an active commitment to professional development (such as working towards CSci) 

3.       Comprehensive technical knowledge and skills in XRD, (single crystal and powder), maintenance and troubleshooting, with experience in providing expert guidance and advice to end users on method development and interpretation. 

4.       Comprehensive knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability. 

5.       Strong written, oral, and IT communication skills, with advanced computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills to build a strong network to support the delivery of the service. 

6.       Effective management skills and the ability to work as part of team. 

7.       Ability to organise and manage own workload, and that of others. 

8.       Excellent planning & organisational skills as evidenced by successfully managing facilities, identifying performance standards and putting in place mechanisms to deliver these. 

9.       Ability to train all end users, e.g., staff, students, researchers, and technical staff. 

10.    Ability to take effective decisions and be an effective problem solver, responding to changing priorities to make improvements to services and protocols. 

Desirable criteria

1.       Experience of managing and maintaining an XRD facility. 

2.       Experience with Rigaku and Bruker XRD models. 

3.       Experience and/or contacts at Diamond / other synchrotron facilities or other forms of diffraction. 

4.       Formal Health & Safety qualification e.g., NEBOSH/IOSH. 

5.       Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required e.g. during a weekend open day event.