Laboratory Technician (HTRC) - College of Engineering and Physical Sciences - 100313 - Grade 5

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in academia seeks a dedicated individual to support research and development at the High Temperature Research Centre. This role involves working with advanced materials characterization techniques, ensuring the integrity of laboratory operations, and contributing to exciting research projects. You will play a crucial part in a collaborative environment, where your expertise will help drive innovation and scientific discovery. The University of Birmingham is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, offering generous benefits and a supportive atmosphere for professional growth. If you are passionate about research and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

40 days paid holiday

Paid volunteering day

Occupational sick pay

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• A science-based degree or equivalent experience in a laboratory.
• Knowledge of material characterisation techniques and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities by providing characterisation and validation.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained and calibrated.

Skills

Material characterisation techniques

Data presentation and reporting

Hands-on experimental work

Method development

Effective communication

Organisational skills

Time management

Proficient in Word and Excel

Education

Science-based degree

Tools

Rheology equipment

Thermal diffusivity equipment

Dilatometry equipment

Differential Scanning calorimetry

Thermogravimetric analysis

Laser scattering particle size analysis

X-ray diffraction

Porosimetry

Mechanical testing equipment

Microscopy

Job description

Position Details

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £28,397 to £30,210, with potential progression once in post to £33,938

Grade: 5

Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 9th January 2025

Travel may be required for this role

Our offer to you

People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.

Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University. We offer a variety of flexible working arrangements and a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.

Role Summary

Based at the High Temperature Research Centre, Ansty, the post holder will undertake activities that support research and development, capability acquisition and research projects within HTRC. They will be responsible for supporting the research activities of the groups working within the Centre by providing characterisation, validation and laboratory support, in addition to supporting the routine testing, characterisation, verification and release of incoming materials and similar characterisation of materials sampled from within the manufacturing process.

Main Duties

• Research/Project Support
• Have some knowledge of the operation of a wide range of research equipment including but not limited to:
  • Rheology.
  • Thermal diffusivity.
  • Dilatometry.
  • Differential Scanning calorimetry.
  • Thermogravimetric analysis.
  • Laser scattering particle size analysis.
  • X-ray diffraction.
  • Porosimetry.
  • Mechanical testing both elevated and ambient.
  • Microscopy.
  • Materialographic preparation equipment.
• To track and record routine work throughput and discuss at weekly review.
• To advise, train, assist and supervise as appropriate academic and research staff and students on experimental and research techniques and technical issues.
• Responsible for ensuring assigned items of laboratory equipment are kept in good working order and calibrated as/when required.
• Notify the Laboratory Manager of any foreseeable safety issues or requires changes to infrastructure.
• To support HTRC research projects, and provide technical assistance for collaborations and contribute to future direction of the projects.
• To notify and liaise with the Laboratory manager regarding HTRC research projects updates, needs/requirements and issues.

Health and Safety/Environmental Issues

• Responsible for complying with all aspects of basic H&S relating directly to the activities of the Centre laboratory.
• Ensure all hazardous substances are appropriately stored in accordance with School/ University Policy.
• Ensure that waste, laboratory and general, is disposed of via the correct waste management stream as governed by Centre/ School/University policy.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• A science-based degree or equivalent experience gained in a laboratory environment.
• Material characterisation techniques and instrumentation.
• Data presentation and reporting.
• Hands-on experimental work.
• Method development.

Other essential skills and qualities

• Effective communicator.
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• A willingness to learn the roles and requirements of the post and attend training as required.
• Ability to work under minimum supervision but function as part of a team.
• Organisational and time management skills.
• A willingness to travel to and work at other research establishments as required.
• Proficient in Word, Excel packages etc and an ability to understand and interrogate data.
• Good knowledge of health and safety issues, including compliance with Radiation policies, COSHH and Risk Assessments.

DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

Informal enquiries to Ben Goodyer, email: [e-mail]