Characterisation Technician (SUSMAGPRO)

Job Purpose

The Characterisation Technician will support the work of the magnetic materials group (MMG), in the EU SUSMAGPRO project within the Centre for Electron Microscopy in the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham. The role will support a large EU research programme called SUSMAGPRO which is developing a circular economy for rare earth magnetic materials across Europe. The postholder will receive training on a diverse range of equipment including, for example, electron microscopy, particle size analysis and chemical analysis. The postholder would be expected to maintain analytical equipment, to characterize a diverse range of material flows and to train postdocs and PhD students in the use of such equipment.

They will be responsible for the day to day running of characterisation equipment within the magnetic materials group and in the Centre for Electron Microscopy including for example electron microscopes and particle size analysers. The primary focus will be to maintain and care for a range of instruments and provide support to users of a comprehensive range of structural, elemental and microstructural analysis instruments. The post holder will work closely with the Project Manager in the MMG, and with the PI who runs the magnetic materials group. The postholder will report to the School Technical Manager and will be solely research focussed supporting the EU SUSMAGPRO project.

The technician would be supported by a large research group working with other technicians and experienced project managers to deliver new recycled magnets onto the market. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a world leading research group with prospects for longer term funding. The postholder would develop a broad range of skills which could be applied through the research community. This position is open to candidates with experience in working within industry or academia with a background in using analytical equipment.

Person Specification

• BTEC / HNC in a relevant engineering/physical science area or equivalent experience.
• Extensive knowledge of working within an engineering/physical science research area.
• Demonstrably good background knowledge of characterisation techniques, gained through experience of working in a similar role, and a willingness to undertake training in relevant techniques.
• Demonstrably good communication skills, including demonstrable ability to give instructions clearly.
• Demonstrable ability to plan ahead, work to deadlines, time management and organisational skills
• Previous experience of training individuals to use specialist equipment
• Demonstrable knowledge of all relevant safety issues (and preferably the relevant University Policies)
• Sufficiently experienced in the experimental processes to write COSHH, risk assessments and SOPs in line with University Policy
• Proven experience in working within industry or academia with a background in using analytical equipment.

Desirable

• Previous knowledge or experience in any of the following equipment - SEM, ICP, oxygen/carbon analysis, particle size analysis or magnetic measurements
• Knowledge of electronics and the ability to diagnose faults
• Experience of working within a compliance-based organisation

Closing Date 2 Jun 2019