Trainee Research Technical Professional (Chemical Characterisation)

The X-disciplinary Challenges from Industry for Technical Expert Development (X-CITED) research programme is an EPSRC-funded programme that will develop the skills of Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) - specialists who apply their technical knowledge and expertise to advancing research.

Led by the University of Bath in partnership with the universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, X-CITED is for RTPs by RTPs. The four universities make up the Great Western 4 (GW4). Launching in April 2024, the three-year X-CITED programme will serve as a regional model for innovative approaches to professional skills development within the sector.

The project is aiming to develop peer networks and Communities of Practice, review RTP training opportunities and develop a unique training platform tailored to the needs of RTPs, create innovative mechanisms to connect industry with RTPs to progress industry challenge projects that deliver real-world impact; and much more.

This position is one of four exciting opportunities available across the Southwest region, each focused on a distinct area of research and innovation:

• Chemical Characterisation
• Digital (Research Software Engineering)
• Materials & Structural Characterisation
• Microscopy & Nanomaterials

The four role holders will form a collaborative cohort. To learn more about the other roles, please visit our website here.

About the role

This is a trainee technical role with responsibility for supporting the delivery of specialist research and technical services within Chemical Characterisation.

The role will develop your expertise through hands-on training, contributing to research projects, and providing technical support. The role holder will train users in NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and/or chromatography techniques, maintain analytical equipment, analyse samples and interpret data for users.  

Under the guidance of senior technical staff, you will take an active role in troubleshooting technical challenges and managing resources efficiently to improve the facilities.

The role holder will be primarily based in the Chemical Characterisation Facility at the University of Bath and will be expected to visit the other GW4 institutions. As part of the X-CITED cohort of trainee RTPs, you will engage in shared training, knowledge exchange, and cross-institutional collaboration, fostering a strong professional network while developing your technical expertise.

This is a fixed-term, full-time position to end on 31^st March 2027.

We are looking for:

• A degree in a chemistry-related subject, or has equivalent experience. 
• A proactive individual with a genuine interest in chemical characterisation techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and/or chromatography.
• A polite and courteous individual who can communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences
• A highly organised person who has the ability to prioritise ongoing tasks with varying deadlines
• An innovative person who is keen to learn new skills and techniques, and develop professionally 
• Someone with a demonstrable ability to examine and assess scientific information to solve problems 
• Someone who applies their scientific and technical knowledge to all aspects of their work
• Someone who is happy to work independently and as part of a team

If you meet the majority of the job criteria outlined in the person specification, we’d love to hear from you - don’t hesitate to apply.

About us

The Chemical Characterisation Facility is a team of highly skilled RTPs and technicians who maintain the NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatography equipment at the University of Bath. We provide training, advice and support to our academic/research staff, postgraduate/undergraduate students and external users of our facilities. 

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