Laboratory and Research Technician

Job Purpose

To provide technical support within the School of Chemical Engineering supporting the research and development for research groups, including but not limited to the following research groups, Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage, Thermal Energy Research Accelerator (T-ERA) and Centre for Fuel & Hydrogen Research (CFCHR).

The post holder will be responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the laboratory facilities within the research laboratories. They will provide direct technical support to the research activities of the groups and support students working with the laboratory equipment. This will include designing, developing, assembling, maintaining laboratory scale and technical apparatus according to research needs. They will be responsible for the maintenance of a variety of scientific instruments (detailed in Main duties section). They will implement and monitor the compliance of Health and Safety, Estates and laboratory housekeeping matters related to the Chemical Engineering Workshop Bays Laboratories.
The post holder will report to the Academic Leads for the research group for technical direction and the report to School Technical Manager with regards to Health and Safety, Estates and laboratory housekeeping matters.

Person Specification

The full job description will appear as a Pdf document which applicants can reach via a hyperlink. The person specification should be extracted from the full job description and should be written so that candidates can see at a glance the minimum skills and experience you are looking for.You should copy the person specification from the full job description and paste into this field.

• Educated in a science or engineering subjects to degree level or equivalent experience
• GCSE (A*- C) or equivalent in mathematics and English
• NEBOSH General Certificate or similar H&S qualification highly desirable or willingness/ability to undertake.
• Responsible for continually monitoring compliance of all local, School and University Health and Safety, Fire Safety and laboratory housekeeping policies within the research group and taking any necessary action. Conduct routine checks on the Oxygen monitoring Systems and Engineering Controls such as Local Exhaust Ventilation system, Glove Box and Fume cupboards.
• It is desirable to have practical and theoretical knowledge of a range of analytical techniques including in the list below, please note the equipment list will adapt to support the group’s evolving research interest.
• Ability to instruct and demonstrate analytical techniques to staff and research students
• nowledge of and basic skills (to at least fault finding level) in IT and electronics.
• Good knowledge of health and safety issues, including compliance Radiation policies, COSHH and Risk Assessments and to undertake electrical safety testing.
• Able to work on own initiative without supervision and also as part of a team.
• Strong desire to increase knowledge of analytical equipment, including attending training courses and relevant conferences
• Ability and willingness to undertake training in other activities and skills
• A willingness to travel to and work at other research establishments as required.