Senior Research Technician (Environmental Mass Spectrometry)

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388

Role Summary

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance within the CoLES Environmental Mass Spectrometry Facility. This includes the analytical capability for stable isotope analyses in both solid and liquid phases as well as advanced biomarker analyses including the determination of compound-specific isotopes. At present the facility uses Isoprime IRMS, with both solid and liquid autosamplers, for the analysis of δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C, δ²H and δ¹⁵N. Molecular biomarker and contents analysis is undertaken by GC-FID, GC-ECD, elemental analyser and GC–MS, with compound specific-isotope analysis by GC-IR-MS. 

The post holder will be expected to maintain laboratory equipment (items listed above and associated equipment), order consumables and to write COSHH, laboratory risk assessments and standard operating procedures where appropriate. 

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

To flexibly use resources, you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the School, College or wider university.

Main Duties

• Operate, maintain, and oversee use of the Environmental mass spectrometers.
• Carry out or assist in managing experiments within the facility. 
• Advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with individuals at a range of levels and experience. 
• Diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions regarding techniques and experiments.
• Communicate directly and work closely with PIs, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduates and other internal and external users on projects and experiments. 
• Maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out. 
• Lead on data quality assurance for all data coming out of the facility.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.
• Troubleshoot technical problems and liaise with manufacturer to organise maintenance visits and scheduled services.
• Contribute to the invoicing of the facility and maintenance of the facility budget.
• Promote the facility internally and externally, e.g., maintaining the website and engaging with potential external users.

Person Specification

• A BSc or MSc in a physical science, environmental science or engineering discipline.
• Laboratory experience of stable isotope and/or molecular analytical techniques.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods. 
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team. 
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

Informal enquiries to Eimear Orgill, email: e.b.orgill@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' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Advert information