Senior Research Technician

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to March 2026 

Background

The University of Birmingham has rapidly increasing research activities in nuclear energy and materials combining the research expertise in both Schools of Metallurgy and Materials and Physics.

Job Summary

The post holder will be a key member of a research team focusing on nuclear energy research at the University of Birmingham, and will work closely with colleagues and students across both the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Metallurgy and Materials. 

You will offer technical expertise and guidance in research support, using your deep understanding of research questions, techniques, and protocols. You'll advise on procedures, resolve issues, and suggest solutions. You may also work across different areas of the department or university as needed.

Main Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for assisting in running and managing 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/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard 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 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.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
• You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Person Specification

• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
• Comfortable working in an environment where there is ionising radiation.
• Willingness to train in ionising radiation safety if not already a holder of relevant radiation safety training.
• Knowledge and experience in setting up mechanical equipment (e.g. mechanical or electrical) is desirable.
• 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.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Understands the importance of  equality and diversity in the workplace 

Informal enquiries to Yu-Lung Chiu, email: y.chiu@bham.ac.uk and Tendai Makuwatsine email: t.e.makuwatsine@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.

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