Trainee Research Technical Professional (Microscopy & Nanomaterials)

This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Internal Applicants Only - Trainee Research Technical Professional (Microscopy & Nanomaterials) Cardiff School of Chemistry Cardiff University.

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. 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.

About The Role: This trainee technical role will sit within the School of Chemistry and be responsible for supporting the delivery of specialist research and technical services within the remit of microscopy and nanomaterials across the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, as part of the X-CITED research programme. This role will form part of a collaborative cohort across the Great Western (GW4) institutes (University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and University of Exeter) that will work closely together throughout their contracts.

The role focuses on developing expertise through hands-on training, contributing to research projects, and providing technical support within laboratories and facilities across the GW4 institutions. The role holder will work closely with key stakeholders, including Principal Investigators, to assist in planning and executing research activities, maintaining and operating specialist equipment, and ensuring compliance with health & safety regulations. Additionally, you will be involved in sourcing laboratory materials, developing standard operating procedures, and training students and colleagues in specialist techniques.

Job Purpose: Support the University within the discipline of microscopy and nanomaterials within the X-CITED programme and the School of Chemistry, carrying out supporting work, providing advice, guidance and support, and leading projects within this area.

Duties And Responsibilities:

• Provide professional advice and guidance on various nanomaterial characterisation and testing techniques (including Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Gas and Liquid Chromatography), processes and procedures to internal and external customers.
• Investigate and analyse specific issues within the discipline of nanomaterials, microscopy and heterogeneous catalysis, creating recommendation reports and maintaining specialist equipment.
• Ensure that the provision of the nanomaterial characterisation and testing is delivered to the institution, proactively changing the delivery according to customer requirements.
• Collaborate with others in order to make recommendations for developments of established processes and procedures.
• Establish working relationships with key contacts, developing appropriate communication links with the University’s Schools/Directorates and outside bodies as required.
• Create specific working groups from colleagues across the University to achieve the School of Chemistry and X-CITED programme objectives.
• Supervise specific project teams on an occasional basis to accomplish key objectives.
• Develop and deliver training within the remit of nanomaterials, microscopy and heterogeneous catalysis.
• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to support the department and specialist equipment.
• Instruct and guide other employees across the University within the remit of nanomaterials, microscopy and heterogeneous catalysis as required.

General Duties: Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties. Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.

Person Specification:

• Degree/NVQ 4 or equivalent Professional membership/experience.
• Substantial experience of working within specialist discipline.
• Able to demonstrate professional knowledge within specialist discipline to give advice and guidance to internal and external customers.
• Ability to set up standard systems and procedures and make improvements as appropriate.
• Ability to communicate conceptually detailed and complex information effectively and professionally with a wide range of people.
• Evidence of ability to explore customers’ needs and adapt the service accordingly to ensure a quality service is delivered.
• Evidence of ability to solve expansive problems using initiative and creativity; identifying and proposing practical solutions and resolving problems with a range of potential outcomes.
• Evidence of demonstrable knowledge of key advances within specialist discipline.
• Evidence of ability to work unsupervised to deadlines, planning and setting priorities for own work and that of others and monitoring progress.
• A willingness to undertake further training and development.

• Postgraduate/Professional qualification.
• Experience of working in a Higher Education environment.
• Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.
• Ability to work independently or collaborate within a wider team.
• Excellent IT skills and working knowledge of relevant specialist software.

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1st July 2025 for 2 years. Salary: £33,482 - £37,174 per annum (Grade 5 - spine point 25 – 29).

Closing date: Friday, 23 May 2025. External applications are currently not being considered for this post.