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The University of Manchester

Technical Specialist (Quantum Materials and Device Characterisation)

Manchester
Posted 22 days ago
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Technical Specialist (Quantum Materials and Device Characterisation)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive individual to join our team as a Technical Specialist (Quantum Materials and Device Characterisation) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, based at the Photon Science Institute. This role offers an exciting opportunity to provide high-level technical expertise supporting world-leading research in quantum materials and quantum device characterisation.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), permanent role. Due to the in-person requirements of the post, hybrid working is not feasible.

You will work as part of a dynamic technical operations team, delivering specialist support for advanced experimental facilities, with a particular focus on low-temperature cryogenic systems and high-frequency RF/microwave characterisation.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

  • Operating and maintaining a low-temperature (<20 mK) dilution refrigerator for quantum device characterisation
  • Designing, assembling and operating advanced RF/microwave control and measurement systems (up to 40 GHz)
  • Supporting complementary low-temperature photonic characterisation capabilities
  • Providing expert advice, training and technical support to staff, students and external users
  • Ensuring excellent service delivery, health and safety compliance and continuous improvement within your area of specialism

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About You

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

Essential Criteria:

  • Experience operating low-temperature cryogenic systems
  • Experience with RF/microwave control and measurement
  • Experience in electronic characterisation of semiconductor devices
  • Ability to write software for equipment control and data acquisition
  • Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Desirable Criteria:

  • Experience characterising qubit devices
  • Experience with high-frequency RF/microwave electronics (up to 40 GHz)
  • Experience in semiconductor device design and fabrication
  • Experience leading or supervising technical staff
  • Experience managing projects, budgets or equipment installations

We value technical excellence, adaptability and a strong service-focused mindset as much as formal qualifications.

Our Benefits

  • Generous employer pension contribution
  • 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
  • Access to extensive professional development and world-class research infrastructure

For more information, please see https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/.

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You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.

Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews

Name: Professor Richard Curry / Dr Maddison Coke

Email Address: richard.curry@manchester.ac.uk / maddison.coke@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.

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Skills

Low-Temperature Cryogenic Systems
RF/Microwave Control
Electronic Characterisation
Software Development
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Location

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

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