Senior Research Technician (Environmental Mass Spectrometry) - School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Position Details
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388
Grade: 5
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 15th October 2025
Background
The College of Life and Environmental Sciences is one of 5 colleges in the University and consists of 4 schools: Biosciences; Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences; Psychology; and Sport and Exercise and Rehabilitation. We are dedicated to exploring the diversity and evolutionary challenges of life in all its forms. Across the breadth of life and environmental sciences, we discover, apply and translate science, forging major advances in human and environmental health.
Role Summary
You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance within the CoLES Environmental Mass Spectrometry Facility. This includes the analytical capability for stable isotope analyses in both solid and liquid phases as well as advanced biomarker analyses including the determination of compound-specific isotopes.
Main Duties
* Operate, maintain, and oversee use of the Environmental mass spectrometers.
* Carry out or assist in managing experiments within the facility.
* Advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students.
* Diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions regarding techniques and experiments.
* Communicate directly and work closely with PIs, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduates and other internal and external users on projects and experiments.
* Maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out.
* Lead on data quality assurance for all data coming out of the facility.
* Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
* Contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.
* Troubleshoot technical problems and liaise with manufacturer to organise maintenance visits and scheduled services.
* Contribute to the invoicing of the facility and maintenance of the facility budget.
* Promote the facility internally and externally, e.g., maintaining the website and engaging with potential external users.
Health and Safety duties
* Proactive support for health and safety within the facility.
* Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are completed.
* Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff on the correct usage of the equipment.
* Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records, including of trained users, are maintained.
* Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
* Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for the facility.
General Administration and Organisation
* Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
* Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems.
* Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
* Ensuring that the facility is maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
* Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.
Essential
* A BSc or MSc in a physical science, environmental science or engineering discipline.
* Laboratory experience of stable isotope and/or molecular analytical techniques.
* In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
* Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
* Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
* Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
* Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
* Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
* Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
The University of Birmingham is committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and is proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations.
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