Trainee Research Technical Professional (Microscopy & Nanomaterials)

Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative university seeks a Trainee Research Technical Professional to join a collaborative team focused on microscopy and nanomaterials. This role offers hands-on training and the opportunity to engage in significant research projects, enhancing your technical expertise while contributing to impactful industry challenges. As part of a dynamic cohort across multiple institutions, you will foster professional networks, develop standard operating procedures, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. This is a unique opportunity to grow your career in a supportive and inclusive environment, making real contributions to scientific advancements.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Substantial experience in nanomaterials and microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities in microscopy and nanomaterials.
• Provide guidance on testing techniques and maintain equipment.

Skills

Nanomaterial Characterisation

Microscopy Techniques

Gas and Liquid Chromatography

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Degree/NVQ 4 or equivalent

Tools

Electron Microscopy

X-Ray Diffraction

Job description

20184BR

Cardiff School of Chemistry

Managerial, Professional and Specialist Staff – MPSS

Advert

This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Applicants Only - Trainee Research Technical Professional (Microscopy & Nanomaterials)

Cardiff School of Chemistry

Cardiff University

The X-disciplinary Challenges from Industry for Technical Expert Development (X-CITED) research programme is an EPSRC-funded programme that will develop the skills of Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) - specialists who apply their technical knowledge and expertise to advancing research. Led by the University of Bath in partnership with the universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, X-CITED is for RTPs by RTPs. Launching in April 2024, the three-year X-CITED programme will serve as a regional model for innovative approaches to professional skills development within the sector.

The project is aiming to develop peer networks and Communities of Practice, review RTP training opportunities and develop a unique training platform tailored to the needs of RTPs, create innovative mechanisms to connect industry with RTPs to progress industry challenge projects that deliver real-world impact; and much more.

About The Role

This trainee technical role will sit within the School of Chemistry and be responsible for supporting the delivery of specialist research and technical services within the remit of microscopy and nanomaterials across the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, as part of the X-CITED research programme.

This role will form part of a collaborative cohort across the Great Western (GW4) institutes (University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and University of Exeter) that will work closely together throughout their contracts. As part of this group, you will engage in shared training, knowledge exchange, and cross-institutional collaboration, fostering a strong professional network while developing your technical expertise.

The role focuses on developing expertise through hands-on training, contributing to research projects, and providing technical support within laboratories and facilities across the GW4 institutions. The role holder will work closely with key stakeholders, including Principal Investigators, to assist in planning and executing research activities, maintaining and operating specialist equipment, and ensuring compliance with health & safety regulations. Additionally, you will be involved in sourcing laboratory materials, developing standard operating procedures, and training students and colleagues in specialist techniques. Under the guidance of senior technical staff, you will take an active role in troubleshooting technical challenges, managing resources efficiently, and adapting to the evolving needs of a dynamic research environment.

The role holder is expected to visit the other GW4 institutions as part of their contact.

For more information on the X-CITED research programme visit: https://gw4.ac.uk/x-cited/

For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact: Dr Kieran Aggett ([e-mail]).

For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact: Ms Caroline Pasmore ([e-mail]).

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1st July 2025 for 2 years.

To work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs and search for vacancy number: 20184BR.

Salary: £33,482 - £37,174 per annum (Grade 5 - spine point 25 – 29)

Important note: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 20184BR.

Closing date: Friday, 23 May 2025

External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose

Support the University within the discipline of microscopy and nanomaterials within the X-CITED programme and the School of Chemistry, carrying out supporting work, providing advice, guidance and support, and leading projects within this area.

Duties And Responsibilities

Key Duties

• Provide professional advice and guidance various nanomaterial characterisation and testing techniques (including Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Gas and Liquid Chromatography), processes and procedures to internal and external customers, using judgement and creativity to suggest the most appropriate course of action where appropriate, and ensuring complex and conceptual issues are understood,
• Investigate and analyse specific issues within the discipline of nanomaterials, microscopy and heterogeneous catalysis, creating recommendation reports and maintaining specialist equipment, supported by advances within the remit of nanomaterials, microscopy and heterogeneous catalysis.
• Ensure that the provision of the nanomaterial characterisation and testing is delivered to the institution, proactively changing the delivery according to customer requirements.
• Collaborate with others in order to make recommendations for developments of established processes and procedures.
• Establish working relationships with key contacts, developing appropriate communication links with the University’s Schools/Directorates and outside bodies as required.
• Create specific working groups from colleagues across the University to achieve the School of Chemistry and X-CITED programme objectives.
• Supervise specific project teams on an occasional basis to accomplish key objectives.
• Develop and deliver training within the remit of nanomaterials, microscopy and heterogeneous catalysis.
• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to support the department and specialist equipment.
• Instruct and guide other employees across the University within the remit of nanomaterials, microscopy and heterogeneous catalysis as required.
  
  

General Duties

• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.
  
  

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications And Education

• Degree/NVQ 4 or equivalent Professional membership/experience.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• Substantial experience of working within specialist discipline.
• Able to demonstrate professional knowledge within specialist discipline to give advice and guidance to internal and external customers.
• Ability to set up standard systems and procedures and make improvements as appropriate.
  
  

Customer Service, Communication and Team Working

• Ability to communicate conceptually detailed and complex information effectively and professionally with a wide range of people.
• Evidence of ability to explore customers’ needs and adapt the service accordingly to ensure a quality service is delivered.
  
  

Planning, Analysis and Problem solving

• Evidence of ability to solve expansive problems using initiative and creativity; identifying and proposing practical solutions and resolving problems with range of potential outcomes,
• Evidence of demonstrable knowledge of key advances within specialist discipline,
• Evidence of ability to work unsupervised to deadlines, planning and setting priorities for own work and that of others and monitoring progress.
  
  

Other

• A willingness to undertake further training and development.
  
  

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate/Professional qualification.
• Experience of working in a Higher Education environment.
• Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.
• Ability to work independently or collaborate within a wider team,.
• Excellent IT skills and working knowledge of relevant specialist software.
  
  

Additional Information

Additional Information

The role is funded by the X-disciplinary Challenges from Industry for Technical Expert Development (X-CITED) research programme.

The role holder is responsible for taking on training opportunities to develop their expertise in the discipline of Microscopy and Nanomaterials and undertaking activities to support the outcomes of the X-CITED programme. The role holder is expected to visit the other Great Western 4 (GW4) institutions as part of their contact.

This Position Is One Of Four Exciting Opportunities Available Across The Southwest Region, Each Focused On a Distinct Area Of Research And Innovation

• Chemical Characterisation
• Digital RTP
• Materials & Structural Characterisation
• Microscopy & Nanomaterials
  
  

To learn more about the other roles, please visit our website here

X-CITED Events & Development Opportunities - GW4

Salary Range Min.

33,482

Salary Range Max.

37,174

Job Category

Academic - Research

Grade

Grade 5