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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research projects and conduct laboratory tests in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading global university with over 100 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days paid holiday, flexible working, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative research while contributing to a diverse and inclusive community.
- Qualifications: A science-based degree or equivalent lab experience is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and development, plus a commitment to health and safety.
The predicted salary is between 28397 - 30210 £ per year.
Position Details
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £28,397 to £30,210, with potential progression once in post to £33,938
Grade: 5
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 9th January 2025
Travel may be required for this role
Our offer to you
People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University. We offer a variety of flexible working arrangements and a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.
Role Summary
Based at the High Temperature Research Centre, Ansty, the post holder will undertake activities that support research and development, capability acquisition and research projects within HTRC. They will be responsible for supporting the research activities of the groups working within the Centre by providing characterisation, validation and laboratory support, in addition to supporting the routine testing, characterisation, verification and release of incoming materials and similar characterisation of materials sampled from within the manufacturing process.
Main Duties
- Research/Project Support
Have some knowledge of the operation of a wide range of research equipment including but not limited to:
- Rheology
- Thermal diffusivity
- Dilatometry
- Differential Scanning calorimetry
- Thermogravimetric analysis
- Laser scattering particle size analysis
- X-ray diffraction
- Porosimetry
- Mechanical testing both elevated and ambient
- Microscopy
- Materialographic preparation equipment
To track and record routine work throughput and discuss at weekly review.
To advise, train, assist and supervise as appropriate academic and research staff and students on experimental and research techniques and technical issues.
Responsible for ensuring assigned items of laboratory equipment are kept in good working order and calibrated as/when required.
Notify the Laboratory Manager of any foreseeable safety issues or requires changes to infrastructure.
To support HTRC research projects, and provide technical assistance for collaborations and contribute to future direction of the projects.
To notify and liaise with the Laboratory manager regarding HTRC research projects updates, needs/requirements and issues.
Health and Safety/Environmental Issues
Responsible for complying with all aspects of basic H&S relating directly to the activities of the Centre laboratory.
Ensure all hazardous substances are appropriately stored in accordance with School/ University Policy.
Ensure that waste, laboratory and general, is disposed of via the correct waste management stream as governed by Centre/ School/University policy.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- A science-based degree or equivalent experience gained in a laboratory environment.
- Material characterisation techniques and instrumentation.
- Data presentation and reporting.
- Hands-on experimental work.
- Method development.
- Other essential skills and qualities
Effective communicator.
Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
A willingness to learn the roles and requirements of the post and attend training as required.
Ability to work under minimum supervision but function as part of a team.
Organisational and time management skills.
A willingness to travel to and work at other research establishments as required.
Proficient in Word, Excel packages etc and an ability to understand and interrogate data.
Good knowledge of health and safety issues, including compliance with Radiation policies, COSHH and Risk Assessments.
DBS required
The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
Informal enquiries to Ben Goodyer, email: b.goodyer@bham.ac.uk
Laboratory Technician (HTRC) - College of Engineering and Physical Sciences - 100313 - Grade 5 employer: University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Technician (HTRC) - College of Engineering and Physical Sciences - 100313 - Grade 5
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific laboratory equipment mentioned in the job description, such as rheology and thermal analysis tools. Having hands-on experience or knowledge about these instruments will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the University of Birmingham, especially those in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety practices in your discussions. Since compliance with health and safety regulations is crucial for this role, showcasing your understanding of these issues can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your organisational and time management skills in detail. The role requires managing multiple tasks, so providing examples of how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities in the past will strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Technician (HTRC) - College of Engineering and Physical Sciences - 100313 - Grade 5
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and required skills for the Laboratory Technician position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous laboratory experience, particularly with the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, such as rheology or thermal analysis. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your hands-on skills.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is essential for this role, include examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in past positions. This could be through presentations, reports, or training others.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial in a laboratory setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Equipment
Familiarise yourself with the specific research equipment mentioned in the job description, such as rheology and thermal analysis tools. Being able to discuss your experience with these instruments will demonstrate your technical competence.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
As effective communication is essential for this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in previous positions. This could include training others or presenting data.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks. Provide examples of how you've organised projects or experiments in the past, showcasing your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety
Since health and safety compliance is crucial in a laboratory setting, be prepared to talk about your understanding of safety protocols and any relevant training you've undertaken. This will show that you take safety seriously and are aware of the responsibilities involved.
