Geoscience Lab Technician – Flexible Heavy Mineral Analysis

Heriot-Watt University; City of Edinburgh; Sur place; GBP 38 000 - 48 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

33 days annual leave

9 buildings closed days

Résumé du poste

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Heavy Mineral Technician to support geological research in the mineral separation laboratory. The role involves preparing and processing rock and sediment samples, separating heavy mineral fractions and maintaining lab records. Training in mineral separation techniques and COSHH will be provided.

The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week on a fixed-term basis, with a focus on safety, accuracy and efficiency in routine sample processing and analysis.

Qualifications

• BSc in geology, geoscience or related discipline with practical lab training.
• Experience in laboratory work gained through degree, research project or employment.
• Understanding of safe laboratory practice and COSHH awareness.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain consistency.
• Strong attention to detail in labeling, record keeping and contamination prevention.
• Good organisational and time-management skills to manage multiple samples.
• Comfort with spreadsheets and digital lab records.
• Willingness to undertake training in mineral separation methods and COSHH.

Responsabilités

• Receive, label, catalogue and store geological samples with accurate records.
• Prepare rock and sediment samples including drying, disaggregation, crushing and sieving.
• Separate and recover heavy mineral fractions using heavy-liquid and magnetic methods.
• Use a microscope to examine mineral separates and pick grains.
• Prepare, label and store mineral fractions for subsequent analysis.
• Maintain detailed records of processing methods, sample weights, mineral yields and deviations from procedures.
• Prevent cross-contamination through careful sample handling and equipment cleaning.
• Handle, store and dispose of laboratory chemicals and waste per approved procedures.
• Assist with COSHH forms, risk assessments and lab procedures under supervision.
• Undertake routine equipment checks and monitor consumables.

Connaissances

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Time-management

Lab safety awareness

Independent working

Communication skills

Formation

BSc in geology/geoscience/mineralogy/chemistry

Outils

Binocular microscope

Description du poste

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Heavy Mineral Technician to support geological research in the mineral separation laboratory. The role involves preparing and processing rock and sediment samples, separating heavy mineral fractions and maintaining lab records. Training in mineral separation techniques and COSHH will be provided.

The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week on a fixed-term basis, with a focus on safety, accuracy and efficiency in routine sample processing and analysis.