Research Technician

The role

The successful applicant will join leading international researchers in the Organic Geochemistry Unit. Using established wet-chemistry protocols and state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation you will contribute to the AquaNeo research project, investigating the diet of early farmers in prehistory.

The role is based in laboratories in the School of Chemistry (recently ranked #1 in the UK for research) at the Clifton campus of University of Bristol.

As a Research Technician in the group you will also support in the routine running of laboratory operations including the use and maintenance of specialised equipment, stock keeping of lab consumables, and the safe handling of chemicals. You will have the opportunity to share your expertise in the training of less experienced lab users, undergraduate project students for example.

The position is funded for a fixed term of 1 year with a starting date of March 2025 or as soon as possible. It is possible that further funding will become available to extend the length of this employment.

Weekly presentations from researchers in the group, and occasional guests from other academic institutions will give you the opportunity to keep abreast of brand new research in the field.

Other benefits of working for University of Bristol include

• a generous annual leave allowance totalling 40 days
• enrolment into the University of Bristol Group Pension Plan with an employer contribution of up to 12.5%
• a cycle to work scheme
• staff social, clubs and events

What will you be doing?

• Preparation and extraction of archaeological and modern samples using pre-agreed protocols.
• Analyses using GC-FID, GC-MS, and GC-C-IRMS
• Interpretation of chromatograms and mass spectra
• Data gathering and input
• Writing COSHH and risk assessments
• Working to deadlines while maintaining flexibility to alter priorities based on research needs
• Routine and responsive maintenance to lab equipment and analytical instruments
• Contributing to general lab housekeeping, including maintenance of consumables stock

You should apply if

You have an interest in applying analytical chemistry to help answer questions about the world around you.

You hold at least GCSE, NVQ level 2/3 (or equivalent) in chemistry, plus significant relevant work experience using gas chromatography in an analytical chemistry laboratory.

It is desirable if you hold an undergraduate degree in chemistry, or a strongly related subject, have practical experience with gas chromatography, and would like to pursue a career as a Research Technical Professional.

You have the ability and self-motivation to manage your own time and deliver to deadlines while working alongside other researchers in a shared laboratory environment.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with 12 months fixed funding

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 24/02/2025

Interviews are anticipated to take place end of February 2025

For informal queries, please contact: 

Mr Charlie Maule (charlie.maule@bristol.ac.uk)

Dr Melanie Roffet-Salque (melanie.salque@bristol.ac.uk)

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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