Laboratory Technician (HTRC)

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

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. 

This will include maintaining records of work requested and completed, issuing data to the research projects to support the completion of their milestones, trend analysis and reporting of key characteristics using statistical process control methods. The post holder will operate and maintain a range of scientific equipment to required standards.  

Main Duties

Research/Project Support

• Have some knowledge of the operation of a wide range of research equipment including but not limited to:
  • Thermal diffusivity.
  • Differential Scanning calorimetry.
  • Thermogravimetric analysis.
  • Laser scattering particle size analysis.
  • X-ray diffraction.
  • Mechanical testing both elevated and ambient.
  • Materialographic preparation equipment.

This will involve setting up tests and experiments, and acquiring and processing data for use in process monitoring and control, publications and related activities. Data related to normal operation of the Centre will be monitored and analysed using statistical process control methods.

Health and Safety/Environmental Issues

University Policy states that Academic staff hold ultimate responsibility for health and safety within their areas of work. The tasks above are designed to assist Academic staff in meeting this obligation.

• 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.

Other Duties 

• Assist with weekly/monthly fire checks as required. 
• Under the direction of the Laboratory Manager or the Centre Director take part in College wide activities commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post holder. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

Qualifications

• A science-based degree or equivalent experience gained in a laboratory environment.

Previous Experience

• Material characterisation techniques and instrumentation.
• Data presentation and reporting.
• Hands-on experimental work.
• Method development.
• Some experience of materialographic preparation and the equipment involved.

DBS required 

Pre-employment DBS

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. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

BPSS Required

Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role, all successful applicants will be subject to a BPSS check prior to appointment.

Informal enquiries to Ben Goodyer, email: b.goodyer@bham.ac.uk 

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

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