The department of Earth Sciences is seeking a skilled technician with responsibility for providing support and advice regarding sample preparation, analysis and curation to staff and students from the Department. This post will support the Geofacilites Laboratory Manager in key aspects of maintenance, safety, security and long-term strategic development of the laboratory facilities and their working practices.
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 and teaching collections
With the support of the academic staff and the Geofacilites Laboratory Manager, the postholder will deliver technical support and advice for research and teaching in the Department and develop their skillset and responsibilities across the Geofacilities remit. Whilst in-house support will be your primary output, you may be also asked to deliver support and services to external customers of the Geofacilities SRF.
You will be joining an experienced team of laboratory managers and technical support staff working closely with Departmental academics and you will be expected to provide input, where appropriate, into the direction and strategy of the Geofacilities SRF.
About you
You will hold a minimum of a Batchelors degree (or equivalent) in Earth Sciences, Geology, Geography (or similar), or have equivalent experience working with geological materials and/or techniques.
You will have a knowledge of major principles in at least one 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 a willingness to receive training and develop skills across a broad range of geological techniques. You will have an ability to organise your own workload effectively and have excellent knowledge of Health and Safety regulations in a laboratory environment.
You will have excellent interpersonal and communications skills and strong attention to detail.
For further information about the post people see the job description. This role is permanent upon successful completion of a one-year probationary period. The deadline for applications is midday on 25 October 2024. Interviews will be held 11 November 2024.
Contact Person : HR Team Vacancy ID : 175166 Contact Phone : Closing Date & Time : 25-Oct-2024 12:00 Pay Scale : STANDARD GRADE 6 Contact Email : [email protected] Salary (£) : £33,832 - £39,705