Technical Officer

Job Purpose

This post will be fully-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The University of Birmingham has applied for funding from ERDF and its partners to form a new Advanced Materials Characterisation and Simulation Hub (AMCASH) in 2016. The Hub is led by Dr Yu Lung Chiu and has state-of-the-art facilities in the School of Metallurgy and Materials on Birmingham's Edgbaston campus.

The post will be based in the School of Metallurgy and Materials at Birmingham although the post holder will be expected to work at external locations from time to time. The role will also involve collaboration with GBS LEP area SMEs. Therefore, the ability to interact with external commercial organisations is a prerequisite for this position.

Person Specification

• • To hold a relevant first degree or masters in Materials Science, Engineering or related disciplines (e.g. Physics, Chemistry) or equivalent experience
• • To hold a PhD (very close to the completion of a PhD study) in Materials Science & Engineering or related disciplines (e.g. Physics, Chemistry)
• • Experience of supervision and management of research students and projects Relevant experience in the area of polymer characterisation. In particular, in-depth knowledge of the following techniques
• • Electron microscopy, including SEM, TEM and FIB
• • Chemical microanalysis using electron beams
• • Mechanical (including small scale) testing of metallic and ceramic materials
• • Optical and electron microscopy of metallic and ceramic materials
• • In-situ electron microscopy of structural metals
• • Ability to summarise complex issues/concepts and present them appropriately for a range of audiences.
• • Ability to plan, manage and prioritise own workload, respond to changing priorities and deliver innovative solutions to deadlines maintaining a consistently high standard of service and meeting client needs.
• • Ability to work effectively as part of a multi-functional team.
• • Good client relationship management and interpersonal skills and an ability to work closely with other people at all levels of seniority, both within and outside the University.
• • Good communication skills: oral, written and presentational.
• • Understanding of the higher education research environment, its research functions and markets.
• • Understanding of academic research and knowledge transfer practices, funding streams and motivations.