Senior Technician (Casting) – School of Metallurgy and Materials – 107636 – Grade 5 Full-time NEW

Job Title

The role is within the Casting Group in the School of Metallurgy and Materials. This is an opportunity to work on an industrially funded project which is developing new casting technology for a UK based facility. Under the direction of the academic lead, the role will require both experimentation in a laboratory setting and also supporting project work in other groups. The key areas of interests are casting moulds and thermal management technology as well as understanding the reactivity between the molten metal and the foundry moulds. There will be interaction with the customer as we support their overall programme.

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 resource, you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider university.

The role holder will be required to learn the operation of casting equipment and the development of analogue systems to support process modelling.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting in managing the experimental laboratories.
• Advising on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students.
• Diagnosing and resolving problems and suggesting solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Carrying out specialist technical and experimental procedures.
• Maintaining accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Complying with and promoting the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
• Contributing to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. This may include being required to look after a communal area as part of your duties. Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.

• Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be 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.

Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.

• Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate 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.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
• Maintain a technical support based teaching laboratory website (how to guides for the preparation of materials, practical setup guides), and keeping these up to date as and when session requirements or protocols change or maintaining relevant research lab databases/records.

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.

• Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Qualifications and experience required:

• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/9-4) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• Ability to work with electrical induction equipment
• Prior knowledge of casting is advantageous
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own work load 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 software packages.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures