Analytical Geochemistry Technician

UCL; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

UCL is seeking a technician for the Department of Earth Sciences in London. The role involves providing high-quality technical support in analytical chemistry, ensuring safety management, and assisting students and researchers with lab projects. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Chemistry or related field and have experience in an analytical lab setting. UCL offers a variety of benefits including generous holiday, pension schemes, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)

Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-Site nursery

On-site gym

Qualifications

• Minimum degree or equivalent in Chemistry or Physical Sciences.
• Experience in an analytical laboratory with diverse users.
• Knowledge of various analytical techniques and lab safety.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support in geochemistry laboratories.
• Manage safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and user training.
• Supervise student projects and assist in academic research.

Skills

Analytical techniques

Laboratory safety equipment

Interpersonal communication

Risk assessments

Education

Degree in Chemistry or Physical Sciences

Tools

General lab equipment

Fume Hoods

Precision balances

Job description

About us

UCL Earth Sciences is one of the oldest centres for Earth and planetary sciences in the UK, situated in Bloomsbury in the heart of London and within minutes of the British Museum, the British Library and the Royal Institution. The Department is housed in the recently refurbished Kathleen Lonsdale Building (inaugurated by Sir David Attenborough in April 2018).

The Department of Earth Sciences offers undergraduate Degree Programmes in Geology, Earth Sciences, Geophysics, and Environmental Geosciences, as well as MScs in Natural Hazards and Geosciences. The Department runs world class research facilities that are supported by an experienced team of technicians. This pool of technicians is currently being expanded through a cluster hire of four new people. This post is part of this recruitment effort.

About the role

Under the direction of the Head of Technical Services, the role holder will provide the highest quality, multi-specialist technical expertise and support to students and staff using the facilities. The role will involve providing technical support to the Geochemistry related laboratories, and will include the use of various analytical equipment including Spectroscopy (Raman & FTIR microscopy), XRD, LA-ICP-MS and SEM (with SE, BSE, EDS, and Cathode Luminescence detectors). The role also involves safety management processes, inductions for users, safe storage of material, equipment, and waste disposal, managing stocks, purchasing equipment and consumables, arranging maintenance, and repairing of equipment. The role holder will also contribute to timetabling and planning use of the facility.

The role holder will be expected to work with academic staff, post-doctoral and PhD research students to assist in research projects as well as to supervise lab-based student projects and, where necessary, train students in the safe use of the equipment.

The role holder will support the full range of activities in the laboratory but will have expertise in activities related to analytical chemistry. They will be expected to have good understanding in the use of general laboratory equipment such as fume cupboards, balances, ovens, centrifuges, etc.

About you

Candidates will have a minimum of degree level or equivalent in Chemistry or a Physical Sciences subject and have demonstrable experience working in an analytical laboratory or similar facility with a wide range and number of users.

Candidates will also have knowledge and practical experience of a wide range of analytical techniques including as well as laboratory safety equipment, electrical equipment, general equipment and at least some of the following:

• General lab equipment
• Fume Hoods
• Compressed Gas Supplies
• Precision balances
• Health & Safety
• Creating and implementing Risk Assessments
• Understanding COSHH assessments
• Use of appropriate PPE for specific tasks

The ability to provide advice and assistance to staff and students to include explanation of techniques and equipment and interpretation of the concepts is essential.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.