Senior Technician - Electron Microscopy

The Centre for Electron Microscopy (CEM) is based within the School of Metallurgy and Materials.  The CEM supports and provides access to state-of-the art equipment for more than 70 research groups across 3 colleges at the University of Birmingham, as well as to more than 20 external academic and industrial partners.  The CEM has over 200 individual users on 10 electron microscopes including SEM and TEM.  Other services provided include sample preparation, coating, and cleaning, and specimen sectioning on ultramicrotomes.

The post holder will provide technical expertise, support, and guidance to users in the CEM to strengthen the service we offer.  You will support the CEM and its users through operation and maintenance of electron microscopes, sample preparation activities, and training and supervision of users.

Main duties

1. You will support the CEM and its users through operation and maintenance of electron microscopes.
2. Maintaining and monitoring the performance of equipment within the CEM.
3. You will provide training and ongoing support on Electron Microscopy to both internal and external users of the CEM. Training, supervision and advising staff and students on the operation of electron microscopes and the relevant sample preparation equipment.
4. You will be involved in sample preparation, either directly or through training and support of CEM users.
5. You will be responsible for assisting in managing the laboratory areas.
6. You will use your knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on experimental techniques being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels.
7. You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments. Problem solving, including diagnosis of mechanical, electronic or vacuum problems in the microscopes.  Liaison with service engineers to ensure as little down time with equipment as possible, judgment on when to call a service engineer.
8. Although you will work under the direction of more senior staff you will be able to carry out your work with a large amount of autonomy.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Any experience and enthusiasm for the subject of electron microscopy will be beneficial.
• Practical skills and an understanding of the basics related to hydraulics, pneumatics, and electronics would be very useful for this position.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory-based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• Level 3 qualification in a relevant scientific subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.

For further information please contact Tom Hutchinson, t.hutchinson@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 Online button above or visit our careers website; https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/requisitions quoting the appropriate job reference number.

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