Senior Teaching & Research Technician (Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

Technical Services is seeking to appoint a Senior Technician with a strong background in the chemical analysis of soils, plants and water to support teaching and research in the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Sciences. For prospective candidates with experience of operating, troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instrumentation (e.g., ICP-OES, GC, Elemental Analyser, Continuous Flow Analyser, Ion Chromatography, Cavity Ring Down Spectrophotometry), this post offers an exciting employment opportunity at the University of Reading that currently ranks very highly in the UK for research quality in Earth Systems and Environmental Science.

Joining a small team of technicians, the post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day running of a suite of wet chemistry and analytical laboratories. Candidates with an aptitude for demonstrating laboratory techniques to staff and students are encouraged to apply.

You will have:

• A science degree, HND, NVQ4 (or equivalent) or basic professional qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Physical Geography, Geochemistry). Candidates with a degree in a related subject (e.g., Biology, Plant Science, Bioscience) may also be considered if they have relevant experience in environmental analytical techniques. 
• A broad knowledge across a range of laboratory techniques (ideally quite advanced in some areas), used in Earth Systems & Environmental Science.
• Significant experience of operating, troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instrumentation.
• Ability to train and demonstrate to staff and students, explain procedures and provide assistance with equipment and techniques where necessary.

Candidates should refer to the Essential Criteria listed in the Person Specification linked to this advert, when preparing their supporting statements. Support working alongside other technical divisions operating across multiple buildings may be required. Training will be provided in specialist techniques and use of equipment, where necessary.   

We in Technical Services are committed to the development of our staff and we actively strive to diversify our team. We are a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment and an Employer Champion. We are dedicated to providing all applicants equality of opportunity. You can find out about our inclusive approach on our EDITS page Diversity and Inclusion (reading.ac.uk).

Interviews will be held: Week commencing 25 November 2024

Contact: Dr Karen Wicks
Contact: Associate Director (Technical Services)
Contact Email address: k.wicks@reading.ac.uk

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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