Ceramics Technician - School of Metallurgy and Materials

Position Details

School of Metallurgy and Materials

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £23,699 to £25,458, with potential progression once in post to £29,471 a year.

Please note that as this position is externally funded, the maximum salary available is £23,699 per annum

Band 500

Full Time / Fixed Term Contract to 30 September 2021

Job Summary

The School of Metallurgy and Materials encompasses a wide range of research interests in the processing, characterisation, assessment and modelling of materials. The School is also considered to be the leading school for many areas of metallurgical research.

The post-holder will provide technical support to the Ceramics research group, in particular to laboratories involving the use of standard experimental equipment for advanced ceramics research and to be specifically responsible for the preparation of ceramic powder slurries and the manufacture of ceramic matrix composites, their mechanical testing and the maintenance of detailed records of all processing parameters, variables and testing regimes for a research programme funded by Rolls-Royce. The main theme of the project is to develop advanced structural ceramic composites that can withstand high temperatures whilst delivering the required mechanical and physical properties. The successful applicant will work with students, members of staff, external organisations and suppliers to ensure the smooth running of the research facilities, maintain the research laboratories and equipment, and ensure that a safe working environment is maintained at all times.

The post holder will work within the specified research grant funded by Rolls-Royce but be willing to contribute to related projects and to receive input from other researchers, technicians and academic staff, at UoB and elsewhere. They will operate within the specific area of oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composites and advanced ceramics more generally. The postholder must be prepared to undertake further training both internally and externally, must observe the University's Equal Opportunities policy at all times, must comply with Health & Safety Regulations and must observe the University's Operational Procedures.

For more information about the School of Metallurgy and Materials, please visit https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/metallurgy-materials/index.aspx

Main Duties/Responsibilities

The responsibilities may include:

• Sample preparation as required.
• Routine mechanical and physical testing as required.
• Safe maintenance of laboratory areas and monitoring of the usage and state of repair of facilities and equipment and organizing maintenance as required.
• Provision of routine design and manufacturing assistance to staff and students, including the design, construction and maintenance of experimental apparatus.
• Provision of technical support to laboratories involving the use of standard experimental equipment for advanced ceramics and related activities.
• Ability to talk to students and staff on a regular basis dealing with routine and more complex queries, explaining procedures, demonstrating systems or services.
• Ability to interact with external organisations, such as suppliers, contractors, test facilities, or industrial sponsors, including Rolls-Royce, sometimes in difficult circumstances.
• Ability to procure standard goods, parts and services in support of general maintenance in accordance with appropriate procedures.
• Ability to attend relevant meetings as requested by the supervisor to support standard work activities or to represent the research group or School at an appropriate level.
• To ensure that a safe working environment is maintained at all times through compliance with Health and Safety at Work legislation and the University's Operational Procedures.
• General research support as required.
• Plan and work to agreed specifications, time and quality standards.
• Undertake those tasks that are related directly to the delivery of the research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Be willing to adopt new procedures as and when required, with instruction.
• Attend and contribute to subject group meetings when required.
• Liaise with colleagues and students as needed.

Person Specification

• Hold a relevant technical qualification such as NVQ3, ONC or equivalent.
• Demonstrably familiar with laboratory practices and proven laboratory work experience.
• Demonstrable ability to access and organise resources effectively.
• Experience of working independently and dealing with unforeseen problems and circumstances is desirable.
• Previous experience of working with advanced ceramic materials and of working with students and/or researchers very desirable.
• Demonstrable understanding of operational and technical processes in the research field.
• Demonstrable understanding of current Health and Safety Legislation.
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise own work within well-established routines or procedures.
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as in collaboration with others.
• Demonstrably good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of university systems, procedures and working practices desirable.
• IT literate and experience in the use of standard office software desirable.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Jon Binner, j.binner@bham.ac.uk

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community

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