Purpose of Role
Candidates for the role will be expected to have a high level of skill in the use of a wide range of machining tools and fabrication techniques. Creativity and accuracy are vital for this role, as much of the work involves translating theoretical ideas into practical solutions in facilities that operate at high pressure and temperatures. The post will involve working between a number of research laboratories and a technical workshop. The role-holder will report to the Senior Technical Services Manager.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The role-holder will be required to undertake the following:
1. Design, produce and install specialised bespoke equipment
2. Investigate novel techniques, materials etc. to enable required research conditions to be established
3. Maintain experimental apparatus and equipment used in research laboratories
4. Identify reasons for apparatus and equipment not functioning as desired and implement corrective action
5. Liaise with members of research staff to ensure effective support for the research groups’ activities
6. Liaise with external equipment/material manufacturers regarding the specification, suitability and any alterations required to equipment to ensure the equipment meets all relevant standards prior to arrival on-site.
7. Work closely with all members of staff including academic staff, PhD students, Scientific Officers, laboratory technicians and other members of technical services.
8. Report to research team meetings on the status of all ongoing design, construction and maintenance activities.
9. Ensure that health and safety and risk assessment procedures are adhered to in all activities.
10. Assist Senior Technical Services Manager, Technical Services Manager and other colleagues with general building housekeeping including safety, estates and maintenance.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Essential
11. Educated to SCQF Level 7-8 (HNC/HND) or an Apprenticeship in a relevant subject plus ideally at least 5 years’ post-qualification work experience in a relevant role; or the equivalent comparable relevant work experience
12. Experience of working with CNC machining and programming
13. Experience of working with manual milling and lathe machines
14. Competent in the use of relevant IT packages e.g. Autodesk Inventor and CAM
15. Experience in designing and developing apparatus and equipment, preferably in a research environment
16. Ability to take a creative approach to coming up with solutions to meet research needs.
17. Experience of maintenance and fault finding of equipment
18. Ability to communicate effectively with academic and technical colleagues, students, external suppliers and industrial sponsors
19. Good understanding of health and safety regulations and procedures and experience of risk assessment
20. Ability to work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team
21. Some manual handling will be involved requiring fitness and physical effort
Desirable
22. Experience of welding
23. Experience of 3D modelling
24. Experience of working with pressure vessels, high temperature and high-pressure systems