Technician Glasgow, Scotland
University of Glasgow
Full Time
Glasgow, Scotland
23715 - 27929 GBP ANNUAL Today
Job description
Job Purpose
The purpose of this job is to provide technical expertise for the SUERC Stable Isotope Laboratory and will report to the Head of the SUERC Stable Isotope Laboratory. The laboratory houses several stable isotope preparation and analytical systems. The postholder will be responsible for several systems, which include:
(i) a continuous flow system for measuring C and N in a range of (mainly) organic materials
(ii) continuous flow and vacuum line systems for obtaining CO2 from carbonate samples for C and O isotope analysis.
(iii) a system for measuring C and H isotopes in methane
(iv) fluorination systems which produce gas samples from silicates for oxygen isotope measurements. This involves hazardous reagents which will require a working knowledge of COSHH and detailed attention to standard operating procedures.
(v) In all of the cases above, the postholder will provide support for these systems including maintenance, management of supplies.
Main duties and Responsibilities
1. Sample Preparation and analysis
To analyse C isotopes in methane, carbonate, and organic materials
To analyse O isotopes in silicate minerals
To prepare samples for the above measurements (e.g. weighing, grinding and wet chemical treatment).
To work responsibly with vacuum lines, mineral acids, organic solvents, ClF3, cryogenic fluids and solids, blowtorches according to existing standard operating procedures and risk assessments on a daily basis.
2. Provide specialist technical advice to research team to ensure knowledge/skills transfer; to demonstrate processes, train, supervise and advise visiting researchers and students that need to use analytical equipment.
3. Progress technical aspects of research objectives in accordance with predetermined timescales as set out by project managers.
4. Be responsible for tracking of samples from arrival to measurement and eventual disposal/return to client. Ensure operational delivery of technical resources is optimised and seek to continuously improve the technical service.
5. Be responsible for troubleshooting complex technical problems, including issues with the design and operation of technical resources and/or with the data which is generated. This includes maintaining mass spectrometry and related equipment, promptly reporting faults, diagnosing/repairing faults or assisting others, and liaising with outside contractors for equipment servicing. Report any issues to our weekly lab meeting
6. Keep track of analysis quality metrics such as blank analysis and cross-calibrations, perform data reduction and storage.
7. Be responsible for checking/maintaining consumables stock and orders.
8. Be responsible for compliance with relevant Health and Safety (H&S) and/or other specialist legal requirements. Report any potential issues to the Stable Isotope Laboratory Committee and the SUERC H&S Manager. Contribute to the development of COSHH risk assessments for new or updated processes. Ensure that Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) Bronze Award principles are maintained and progressed.
9. Work collaboratively with others, including external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the research aims and support the broader strategic aims of SUERC and the University.
For employment at Grade 6:
10. Identify any trends, problems or anomalies in data, and present findings clearly to the research group via presentations and/or to wider audiences within appropriate research publications.
11. Independently generate ideas and implement agreed proposals for experimental strategies, and make a full contribution to our weekly lab meeting.
12. Design and create experiments, systems, protocols, equipment, and/or other technical resources to support the delivery of research objectives.
13. Keep up to date with developments in the technical aspects of stable isotope geochemistry to ensure contribution to research goals is optimised.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher / Scottish Vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
A2 Good practical knowledge of applied science.
A3 Good knowledge of standard lab safety procedures.
For appointment at Grade 6:
Essential:
A4 Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 (Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
A5 Knowledge in the use and application of stable isotope measurements in earth/environmental sciences and/or ecology
Skills
Essential:
C1 In-depth technical skills to provide a range of technical support activities.
C2 Good interpersonal and communication skills.
C3 Proven ability to advise and assist staff, students and visiting researchers in development of chemical procedures.
C4 High degree of self motivation and commitment.
C5 Proven ability to plan and organise own work.
C6 Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
C7 Good analytical and critical thinking skills.
Desirable:
D1 Ability to prepare samples in time for measurement deadlines.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Sufficient relevant work experience or equivalent training through above qualifications or substantial work experience in a relevant laboratory-based technical or scientific role.
E2 Experience with the use of analytical instrumentation (at least one of the following: stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, laboratory vacuum techniques, gas chromatography); see also F1-3
E3 Use of hazardous materials such as mineral acids or flammable solvents.
E4 IT skills and experience of commonly used software packages e.g. MS Office
E5 Experience of working independently and as part of a cohesive team
Desirable:
F1 Experience with chromatographic separation techniques.
F2 Experience working with very hazardous compounds such as HF or ClF3.
F3 Experience in mineral preparation.
For appointment at Grade 6:
Essential:
E6 Experience in stable isotope analyses.
E7 Experience in handling of gaseous samples or laboratory vacuum techniques.
E8 Experience with standardisation and other forms of quality control.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 5/6, £23,715 - £27,929/£30,502 - £34,308 per annum.
This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Closing date : 16 February 2023
