Technical Specialist (Electron Microscopy) - School of Metallurgy and Materials - 104123 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

Technical Specialist (Electron Microscopy) – School of Metallurgy and Materials – 104123 – Grade 7

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Salary: £36,636 to £46,049 (potential progression to £48,822)

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 10th December 2025

Position Details

Starting as a Technical Specialist for Electron Microscopy at the Facility for Electron Microscopy (FEM). The FEM supports over 200 users across 20+ partners, operating 10 electron microscopes including 3 TEMs.

Background

The FEM provides state‑of‑the‑art equipment and sample preparation services. The post will support operation, maintenance, training, and safety of the facilities.

Role Summary

Provide technical expertise, support, and guidance to users. Manage operation and maintenance of electron microscopes, sample preparation, equipment safety, and user training.

Main Duties

• Support the FEM and its users through specialist operation and maintenance of transmission electron microscopes and related sample preparation.
• Line‑manage other technical staff.
• Assist in managing laboratory areas, including health & safety responsibilities.
• Use knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on experimental techniques.
• Diagnose and resolve problems, coordinate with service engineers.
• Perform work autonomously and manage equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Dispose of waste materials following correct processes.
• Develop new services and systems to meet customer needs.
• Maintain accurate records of procedures and audit procedures.
• Promote safe practices and comply with health & safety policies.
• Manage IT operations, including file transfer, backups, and archiving.

Health and Safety Management

• Knowledge of regulations for vacuum, pressure, cryogenics, ionising & laser radiation.
• Maintain records and ensure compliance with COSHH, risk assessments, SOPs.
• Report non‑compliance to Health & Safety Coordinator.
• Assist with carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
• Training as a first aider may be required.

Facilities Management

• Manage consumables orders and support equipment purchases.
• Coordinate large equipment deliveries and storage of consumables.
• Maintain facilities in a clean, safe condition.
• Assist in tracking items on the University Asset Register.

Finance, Procurement and Purchasing

• Identify issues with orders/invoices; take corrective action.
• Ensure financial rules and procedures are followed.
• Assist in contracting external customers for facilities use.

People Management

• Set goals and objectives, prioritize work, and ensure quality service.
• Conduct personal development reviews, one‑to‑one meetings.
• Support staff performance and intervene where objectives are not met.

General

• Represent the team internally and externally.
• Support emergency call‑outs.
• Develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and suppliers.
• Promote equality and diversity.
• Support sustainability agenda.
• Other duties commensurate with the grade.

General Administration and Organisation

• Maintain accurate records and stock consumables.
• Perform PAT testing, calibration, and inventory updates.
• Implement carbon reduction and energy saving measures.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• PhD or equivalent in relevant discipline.
• Experience operating and maintaining TEMs.
• Specialist knowledge in TEM and dual‑beam microscopes.
• Experience in TEM sample preparation techniques.
• High instrumentation and analytical capability.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Ability to develop new techniques.
• Resource planning ability.
• Knowledge of Equality Act 2010.
• Experience in compliance‑based environment.
• Hands‑on knowledge of vacuum, pressure, and electrical systems.
• Organizational planning and flexibility.
• Problem‑solving and creative approach.
• Equality and diversity awareness.

Role Context

In‑depth Technical Specialist with supervisory responsibility. Focus on planning and reviewing team work and operating as individual expert.

Core Competencies/Transferable Skills

Planning and Organising

• Technical service provision and supervision.
• Manage prioritisation, allocation, quality of work.
• Line‑manage technical and non‑technical staff.
• Lead initiatives and projects.
• Contribute to service development.
• Ensure legal, health and safety compliance.
• Lead project work when required.

Advise and Develop Specialist Techniques

• Provide expert advice and analysis.
• Generate original ideas and innovative solutions.
• Act as recognised source of expert knowledge.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Resolve high‑level problems and support decision making.
• Respond to changing priorities and situations.

Organisational Understanding

• Understand own area and contribution to the university.
• Share knowledge of university operations.
• Develop empathy with academic endeavour.

Relationships and Communication

• Develop excellent relationships with customers and anticipate their needs.

Informal enquiries: Ludwig Schneider, email: l.schneider.1@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here.

We believe there is no such thing as a \’typical\’ member of University of Birmingham staff. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.