Heavy Mineral Technician

Heriot-Watt University; Easter Howgate; On-site; 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 is seeking a Heavy Mineral Technician to support geological research by preparing and processing rock and sediment samples in the mineral separation laboratory. The role requires careful, methodical work, strong organisation and safe lab practices.

The successful candidate will perform sample preparation, heavy mineral separation, and assist with COSHH and safety documentation, under supervision. A BSc in geoscience or related field is required.

Qualifications

• The candidate must hold a BSc in geoscience or related field with practical lab work.
• Experience gained through degree, project or employment in a lab setting.
• Sound understanding of safe laboratory practice and chemical safety.

Responsibilities

• Receive, label, catalogue and store geological samples with accurate records.
• Prepare rock and sediment samples: drying, disaggregation, crushing, sieving.
• Separate and recover heavy minerals using heavy-liquid and magnetic methods.
• Use a binocular microscope to examine and select grains.
• Prepare mineral fractions for analyses and keep detailed method records.
• Prevent cross-contamination with careful handling and cleaning.
• Handle and dispose of chemicals per approved procedures.
• Assist with COSHH forms, risk assessments and procedures.
• Undertake routine equipment checks and maintain lab cleanliness.
• Monitor consumables and stock levels; coordinate with researchers.
• Prioritise sample processing to meet project deadlines.

Skills

BSc in Geoscience

Lab experience

Safe lab practice

Follow procedures accurately

Attention to detail

Time management

Spreadsheet skills

Independent working

Communication skills

Willingness to train

Education

BSc in geology/geoscience/mineralogy/chemistry

Tools

Binocular microscope

Job description

Role Title:Heavy Mineral Technician

Grade and Salary:Grade 7 - £38,448 - £48,337 per annum

FTE and working pattern:Full-time (35hrs per week) Fixed term for 12 months

Reward and Benefits:33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff.

Detailed Description

We are seeking a Heavy Mineral Technician to support geological research through the preparation and processing of rock and sediment samples in our mineral separation laboratory at Heriot-Watt University.

The successful candidate will carry out sample preparation, separate heavy minerals for subsequent analysis, and support the day-to-day operation of the laboratory. The role requires a careful, methodical approach, strong organisational skills and a commitment to safe laboratory working.

Applicants should hold a BSc in geoscience or a related scientific discipline that includes practical laboratory work. Training will be provided in specialist mineral separation techniques and the completion and use of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessment forms.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Receive, label, catalogue and store geological samples, maintaining accurate records throughout processing.
• Prepare rock and sediment samples using appropriate methods, including drying, disaggregation, crushing and sieving.
• Separate and recover heavy mineral fractions using heavy-liquid and magnetic separation techniques, following training and approved procedures.
• Use a microscope to examine mineral separates and pick grains where required.
• Prepare, label and store mineral fractions for subsequent mineralogical and geochronological analysis.
• Maintain detailed records of processing methods, sample weights, mineral yields and any deviations from standard procedures.
• Prevent cross-contamination through careful sample handling and thorough cleaning of equipment.
• Handle, store and dispose of chemicals and laboratory waste in accordance with approved procedures.
• Assist with preparing and updating COSHH forms, risk assessments and laboratory procedures, with appropriate training and supervision.
• Undertake routine equipment checks, maintain laboratory cleanliness and report faults or safety concerns.
• Monitor consumables and chemical stocks, identifying replenishment needs.
• Coordinate sample-processing priorities with researchers and technical staff to meet project deadlines.

Person Specification

Essential

1. A BSc in geology, geoscience, mineralogy, chemistry or a related scientific discipline, including practical laboratory training.
2. Practical experience of laboratory work gained through a degree, research project or employment.
3. An understanding of safe laboratory practice, including the importance of chemical safety, appropriate protective equipment and following risk assessments.
4. Ability to follow detailed procedures accurately and maintain consistent standards during repetitive sample-processing tasks.
5. Strong attention to detail, particularly in sample labelling, record keeping and contamination prevention.
6. Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple samples at different processing stages.
7. Confidence using spreadsheets and digital systems to maintain laboratory records.
8. Ability to work independently following training, recognise problems and seek guidance when required.
9. Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with researchers, students and technical colleagues.
10. Willingness to undertake training in mineral separation methods, COSHH assessments and equipment operation.

Desirable

1. Experience working in a geological or mineral separation laboratory.
2. Experience preparing rock or sediment samples, including crushing, disaggregation or sieving.
3. Familiarity with heavy-liquid or magnetic separation techniques.
4. Knowledge of mineralogy and the physical properties used to separate minerals.
5. Experience using a binocular microscope for mineral identification or grain picking.
6. Experience preparing mineral separates for automated mineralogy or geochronology.
7. Familiarity with COSHH documentation, chemical inventories and laboratory waste management.
8. Experience carrying out routine equipment checks and maintaining laboratory supplies.

Training and Development

Training will be tailored to the successful candidate’s experience and will cover specialist sample preparation and mineral separation methods, safe chemical handling, equipment operation, quality control and COSHH documentation. Previous experience of heavy mineral separation is desirable but is not essential.

Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Sunday 15 November 2026.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application promptly.

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools during the application process and are comfortable with AI being used as a supporting aid. However, we want to hear from you, not AI.

Your application should be an authentic representation of your skills, experience and achievements. Applications that appear to have been fully generated by AI may not accurately reflect your suitability for the role and are therefore discouraged.

At interview, candidates will be expected to discuss and provide evidence of the experience, skills and examples included in their application.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.