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BIFoR Research Technician - 80499 

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Feb 1, 2019

Job Details

Salary

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £22,722 to £24,411. With potential progression once in post to £28,259 a year.

New staff are eligible to join the University's new defined contribution pension scheme.Existing staff may continue to receive their current benefits. Additional InformationInformal enquiries may be made to Dr Kris Hart, tel: 01785 284503, email: k.m.hart@bham.ac.uk

Job Purpose

This fixed-term, full-time (100%) research technician post is funded by the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) for 5 years. The post holder will join the BIFoR research team, led by Prof Rob MacKenzie, working on baseline measurements on the BIFoR Free Air Carbon Enrichment (FACE) experiment based at the experimental facility in Staffordshire. The post holder will make a significant contribution to the baseline measurements of the research woodland FACE experiment. This well-supported but challenging role combines significant field and lab work across multiple disciplines (ecology, hydrology, meteorology, and soil science) including coordination of student volunteers and citizen scientists. The post holder will work closely with the research team to collect, collate and analyse scientifically robust data to deliver high-end research, and will be expected to give training and guidance to other group members and arrange outreach projects involving external forestry sector partners, public volunteers and community/school groups. The post-holder will also be expected to maintain field equipment, consumables and to write risk assessments/method statements where appropriate. The Post holder will be required to undergo advanced climber training which involves rope access, aerial rescue and rigger training as part of the weekly schedule.

The post holder will provide support for and contribute to College activities under the direction of the Technical Services and Operations Manager as required.

Item Duties

Research.

  1. Collect research data through a variety of research methods, such as sample collection (at ground level and, after appropriate training, at height), electronic instruments, image analysis using established software, and directed literature reviews. This will involve some work at heights of approx. 25 meters.
  2. Analyse research data as directed
  3. Present research outputs to other group members and assist in the drafting of academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
  4. Record, develop and adapt experimental methods
  5. Provide technical guidance as required to students/volunteers who may be assisting with research
  6. Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines. For example, much of the scientific instruments are exposed to the external elements and require regular inspection and maintenance. The postholder will be required to regularly check many of the experiments to ensure the continuation of the data collection.
  7. Perform quality assurance checks on online data from several field instruments to ensure calibration conformity and reliability.
  8. Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
  9. Support outreach projects by engaging with public volunteers and local school/community groups. Outreachprojectsmay include supporting site visits with groups (public, community groups,Schoolsetc.); visiting schools, community groups andimparting knowledge
  10. Support canopy access work by managing the harness and winch system, monitoring operator's wellbeing, prepared to perform aerial rescue if the event arises.

 

Health and Safety

  • The post holder must have a good understanding of local and national health and safety guidelines, and will be responsible for writing and maintaining lab and fieldwork risk assessments, including those involving working in tree canopies and guiding volunteers/external stakeholders through woodland sites. They will also be expected to participate with the day-to-day safety routines within the BIFoR research woodland, including the coordination of routine field measurements, the provision of safety equipment and in liaising with external contractors to arrange regular maintenance of high-value equipment. 

 

Field Site Organisation

  • The post holder will be expected to establish and maintain databases of key field equipment and samples. The post holder must have a clear understanding of the importance of properly archived plant and invertebrate material collections. They must be experienced in the use of spreadsheet-based databases and able to liaise closely with members of the immediate research team and colleagues at other institutions in order to ensure rapid and accurate archiving of collected samples.

 

Laboratory and Field supervision

  • The post holder will be expected to engage members of the public/external groups in field projects and aid in the supervision of new inexperienced students/volunteers and staff and also train new research staff and students.

 

Laboratory maintenance

  • Together with the other technicians the post holder is expected to aid in the smooth running of field experiments, including the ordering of instrument consumables and the labelling and storage of field samples and to maintain field and laboratory spaces to the highest standards of tidiness. An understanding of Good Laboratory Practice is required.

 

Person Specification

  • A requirement for a tertiary level qualification in a relevant subject such as, but not limited to, environmental science, instrumental & analytical science, biological sciences, geography etc. Well-developed working knowledge of computing, technical or scientific practices or procedures. Usually gained through a qualification (Degree, NVQ, City and Guilds) and specific relevant experience. Practical operation of science equipment in the field and in the laboratory.
  • Experience using instrumentation such as, but not exclusively, mass spectrometry, portable photosynthesis systems, infra-red gas analysers etc. is advantageous. Experience performing manual sample collections such as soil auger, aseptic techniques, sample/data transfer are essential.
  • Ability to carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
  • Experience engaging and overseeing public volunteers/subcontractors on environmental projects.
  • Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
  • Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
  • Basic knowledge of tree species and basic tree health assessment skills.
  • Industrial climbing certification is preferred, or willingness to undergo relevant training.
  • Rigger certification is desirable, or willingness to undergo training Ability to learn and perfect new techniques and to train other less experienced staff in their use.
  • Excellent organisational skills and understanding of the importance of maintaining laboratory databases, laboratory/field notes books etc.
  • Demonstrable organisational and communication skills. Must be able to work independently and communicate scientific results to others including the general public. Be active in ensuring Health & Safety equipment is maintained and checked regularly.
  • Ability to work on own initiative, manage time effectively, progress tasks concurrently and work to deadlines

Company

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