Heavy Mineral Lab Technician - 12m Fixed Term

Heriot-Watt University; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

9 buildings closed days

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh invites applications for a Heavy Mineral Technician to support geological research in the mineral separation lab. The role involves sample preparation, heavy mineral separation, and assisting daily lab operations.

Candidate should hold a BSc in geoscience or a related field with practical laboratory experience; COSHH training will be provided. The appointment is full-time (35 hours/week) and fixed-term for 12 months.

Qualifications

• BSc in geology/geoscience or related scientific discipline with practical lab work.
• Training will be provided in mineral separation techniques and COSHH assessments.

Responsibilities

• Receive, label, catalogue and store geological samples with accurate records.
• Prepare rock and sediment samples by drying, disaggregation, crushing and sieving.
• Separate and recover heavy mineral fractions using heavy-liquid and magnetic techniques.
• Use a microscope to examine mineral separates and pick grains as required.
• Prepare, label and store mineral fractions for subsequent analysis.
• Maintain detailed records of processing methods, weights, yields and deviations.
• Prevent cross-contamination through careful sample handling and cleaning of equipment.
• Handle, store and dispose of chemicals and laboratory waste per procedures.
• Assist with preparing COSHH forms, risk assessments and lab procedures.
• Undertake routine equipment checks and maintain cleanliness.
• Monitor consumables and stocks; coordinate priorities with researchers.

Skills

Practical lab experience

Safe laboratory practice

Follow detailed procedures

Attention to detail

Organisation & time management

Spreadsheet proficiency

Independent working

Communication skills

Education

BSc in geology/geoscience/mineralogy

Tools

Spreadsheets

Job description

Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh invites applications for a Heavy Mineral Technician to support geological research in the mineral separation lab. The role involves sample preparation, heavy mineral separation, and assisting daily lab operations.

Candidate should hold a BSc in geoscience or a related field with practical laboratory experience; COSHH training will be provided. The appointment is full-time (35 hours/week) and fixed-term for 12 months.