salary: A full-time starting salary typically ranges from £29,647 to £31,460, with the possibility of progressing once posted to £35,388.

Contract type: Fixed-term contract until March 2030

background

Candidates are sought for a research-related position to operate instruments at a highly advanced atmospheric observatory. The successful candidate will undertake a variety of tasks to support Professors Harrison, Ploss and Shea and their teams on this Defra/NERC funded project. The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Birmingham Air Quality Superiority Site (BAQS), located on the University’s North Campus. BAQS houses a wide range of state-of-the-art instruments for measuring key components of the atmosphere, relevant to public health and research in atmospheric sciences. This well-supported but challenging role requires dedicated laboratory work using highly advanced techniques for which training will be provided. The post holder will work closely with our large and distinguished atmospheric sciences research team to collect, process and report scientifically robust data to support cutting-edge research.

Experience in field experimental work or laboratory instrumental analysis of contaminants may be beneficial, but the candidate’s motivation and practical abilities are also highly rated attributes. The University is committed to enabling career progression for technicians through continuing professional development opportunities and mentoring, including through the Birmingham Technical Academy.

Main duties

• Operating, maintaining and calibrating automated analysis devices for atmospheric measurements.
• Maintain experimental infrastructure to collect atmospheric samples using standard sample collection protocols.
• Follow standard operating procedures and develop modified and new procedures, if necessary, to submit data with a high level of quality control.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and COSSH forms for relevant procedures within the project.
• Download and archive data from tools on a regular basis.
• Work closely with the Atmospheric Sciences research team to ensure integration and seamless integration of field and laboratory measurement campaigns.
• Maintain tools and facilities in a safe, well-maintained and well-managed condition.
• Provide data to the Atmospheric Sciences Research Team as required.
• Ensure that all hardware faults are promptly identified and addressed, including working with hardware manufacturers to fix them.

Person specifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physical science, environmental science, or engineering discipline.
• Experience in laboratory analysis of environmental trace chemicals and/or field methods in atmospheric sciences or a related field.
• Knowledge of the above technical and scientific methods and good laboratory practices gained through extensive experience and/or formal qualifications.
• Tactfulness in dealing with others.
• Ability to organize and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility regarding work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work independently but also work as part of a team.
• Appreciate the importance of safety and quality in the role
• Ability to process data using standard statistical techniques would be advantageous.

Informal inquiries can be made to Roy Harrison, via email: rmharrison@bham.ac.uk

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