Department of Earth Sciences, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3AN
We are seeking an experienced member of the team to be responsible for the management of facilities and collections that support geological research and teaching in the Department.
The post holder will be a highly skilled technician with responsibility for the management, smooth running, maintenance, safety and security of the laboratory facilities. They will line-manage a Technician and, together, will provide technical services, training, support and advice to staff and students from the Department.
The laboratories forming the Geofacilities constitute a Small Research Facility (SRF) within the Department and comprise:
• The optical light microscope laboratory with research-grade reflected and transmitted light microscopes and digital imaging.
• The rock cutting, and the thin section preparation and polishing laboratories.
• The rock crushing and mineral separation facilities.
• The palaeontological and sedimentological preparation laboratory; a (chemical) preparation laboratory with fume extraction and sample washing and drying facilities
• A rock store containing active research collections.
With the support of the academic staff, the post holder will seek to develop a wide circle of contacts in the sample preparation and microscopy worlds, both within academia and the commercial sector, enabling them to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques and equipment development.
The post holder will be expected to provide training to departmental users in the proper use of equipment and laboratory techniques and support, maintain and update their knowledge and techniques – attending appropriate training courses and conferences as required. The post holder will also be expected to promote and publicise the services of the laboratories within the department and wider University and external clients to generate income.
About you
You will hold a PhD or have equivalent experience in Laboratory management or Practice.
You will have substantial practical experience in at least two of the following areas: rock preparation and mineral separation; thin section making and polishing; optical microscopy and microscope maintenance; archiving and curation of research and teaching materials
You will have significant experience of delivering technical support in the Earth Sciences or a similar discipline, together with evidence of an ability to liaise with both students and senior members of the Department in a technical capacity.
You will have the ability to work independently to plan, set and achieve goals, and have a positive open mind with a pro-active approach to managing the laboratories.
You will have excellent interpersonal and communications skills and strong attention to detail.
You will demonstrate excellent Health and Safety knowledge of regulations in a laboratory environment and have strong IT skills.
You will also have experience of managing staff and budgets.
For further information about the post people see the job description.
This role is permanent upon successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
Closing date: 12.00pm 4th March 2024
Interviews will take place in person at the Department in late April / early May.
Contact Person : HR Team Vacancy ID : 170713 Contact Phone : Closing Date & Time : 04-Mar-2024 12:00 Pay Scale : STANDARD GRADE 7 Contact Email : [email protected]