Research Technician - TG1321

University of St Andrews; St Andrews; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation contribution

USS Pension (14.5%)

Hybrid work environment

Staff discounts

Free staff parking

Carshare and Cycle to Work

Salary sacrifice scheme

LinkedIn Learning access

Tuition reduction for staff

34 days annual leave + 5 publichols

Job summary

The University of St Andrews invites applications for a committed Research Technician to support a suite of specialised analytical facilities in the geochemistry laboratories of the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences. The role involves maintaining, operating, and troubleshooting mass spectrometers, developing methods, and ensuring safety.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics with analytical-science expertise and will contribute to equipment

Qualifications

• PhD required in Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics with expertise in analytical sciences.
• Strong expertise in plasma-source instruments (solution and laser based) and clean sample preparation for ICP-MS/MC-ICP-MS.
• Experience with gas-source mass spectrometry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate the instruments; troubleshoot and repair as needed.
• Develop and optimize analytical methods.
• Manage purchase orders, train users and oversee safety protocols.

Skills

Instrument maintenance

Troubleshooting

Method development

Training users

Education

PhD in Earth/Chem/Phys

Tools

ICP-MS (QQQ 8900)

LA-LIBS system

MC-ICP-MS Nu Plasma

Gas-source MS experience

Job description

Applications are sought for a committed Research Technician to maintain, develop and support a suite of highly specialised analytical facilities in the geochemistry laboratories in the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews. The lab facilities include several mass spectrometers with peripherals, a LA-LIBS system, sample prep space, and a wet chemistry lab. The primary duties of the research technician will be to maintain and operate the instruments, undertake troubleshooting and repairs when required, develop and optimize analytical methods, manage purchase orders, train users and oversee safety protocols.

We particularly seek an individual with strong expertise in plasma-source instruments - both solution and laser based - and associated clean sample preparation techniques to support the (LA-)ICP-MS (Agilent QQQ 8900 and Element 2) and MC-ICP-MS (Nu Plasma) instruments. Additional experience in gas-source mass spectrometry would be useful but is not required. The technician would be expected to help with maintaining the gas-source mass spectrometry facilities of the school as required.

The successful applicant will have a PhD degree in Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics with expertise in analytical sciences.

This is a permanent position, starting as soon as possible.

Further details of the position can be obtained from Dr Eva Stueeken ( [e-mail] ) or Dr Nick Gardiner ( [e-mail] ) or Dr Luke Bridgestock ( [e-mail] ).

St Andrews offers more than just a place to work-it is a place to belong. We value collegiality, inclusion, and wellbeing, and we are committed to creating a workplace where staff can thrive and perform at their best.

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the Research Technician includes:

• Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions of 14.5%
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies supporting work life balance
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• 34 days annual leave plus 5 public holidays

At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on [e-mail].

Closing Date: 10 November 2026

Interview Date: 16 December 2026

Please quote ref: TG1321SB

Job Description: TG1321SB FPs.pdf

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Salary: £38,784 - £46,049 per annum

Start: As soon as possible