Senior Research Technician (Metal Casting and Atomization)

Salary: 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

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to December 2026 

The School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham has a long history research in metal casting and processing. The school is part of one of only a handful of UK universities to have its own foundry, in which research into new casting processes and materials is carried out. 

The role holder will work primarily in the foundry laboratory, providing technical expertise, support, and guidance in research and teaching. 

You will lead on the installation, operation and management of equipment including casting furnaces, atomizers, and heat treatment furnaces.   

Although you will be working primarily within the Sustainable Physical Metallurgy research group, the foundry is a shared research facility used by academic staff with research interests in a range of disciplines including aluminium casting, single-crystal investment casting, and additive manufacture.  

You will form part of a large, diverse team of technical staff who collectively support the research and teaching activities in the School of Metallurgy and Materials. You will provide support to colleagues and students at all levels in the school, and will be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate. 

Main Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for assisting in running and managing experimental laboratories.
• You will assist with teaching and outreach activities in the foundry.
• You will maintain high standards of Health & Safety in the foundry and associated experimental laboratories You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and students. This will include providing training to colleagues and students at a range of experience levels.
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems, and suggest solutions in regards to techniques and experiments.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your manager and Principal Investigator for approval on any proposed changes.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.

Person Specification

• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification, or degree in engineering or materials science.
• Experience working in a metal casting or foundry environment Is desirable.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory-based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of current Health & Safety policies and ability to uphold same.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.

Informal enquiries to Tom Hutchison t.hutchinson@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Closes: 16/07/2024

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