You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise a number of technical staff but even where you do not directly supervise staff you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.

You will need an in-depth understanding of the research questions, techniques and experimental protocols. You will be able to use your in-depth knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures.

In order to flexibly use resources you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider university.

Main Duties

• Assisting in managing the preparation and deployment of experimental materials and instruments in both field and laboratory settings.
• Using your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• Diagnosing and resolving problems and suggesting solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Rapidly responding to equipment failure and taking appropriate action to ensure that faults are repaired in a timely manner.
• Carrying out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your manager for approval on any proposed changes.
• Working with senior academics to design and implement complex research instrumentation and field experiments within the FACE facility, whilst maintaining the highest standards of Health & Safety and site integrity.
• Maintaining accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Managing and contributing to training staff, students and visitors in calibrating and the use of complex scientific instrumentation associated with the BIFoR-FACE facility.
• Providing research support for facility users ranging from ground level sampling to tree top collections using a bespoke canopy access system.
• Contributing to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety Duties

• Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory.
• Fully understanding the safety aspects of equipment operation and being able to demonstrate/train staff (at all levels) on the correct usage of the equipment.
• Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records 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 laboratory.
• Postholders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider and Fire Warden.

General Administration and Organisation

• Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
• Proactively maintaining stocks of consumables, and when required generating purchase order requisitions using University systems.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
• Ensuring that the facilities are 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.
• Adopting a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
• Possessing a comprehensive understanding of national, University and BIFoR FACE Specific regulations and ensuring site user compliance with such regulations.

Other Duties

• In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.
• Undergoing advanced climbing and aerial rescue training using a nationally recognised training provider.
• Supporting equality and values diversity, moderating own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
• Experience of similar field work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• A full UK driving licence (required).
• 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.
• Proficiency in commonly used office software packages.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.

Informal Enquiries

Contact: Kris Hart, email: k.m.hart@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in Applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our [website](http://www.birmingham.