Job description & person
specification
Last updated:
<date>
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Laboratory Technician/Research
Scientist
Post number:
Academic Unit/Service:
Ocean and Earth Science
Career pathway:
ERE
*ERE category:
Research focused but with teaching responsibilities
Posts responsible to:
Paul Wilson
Posts responsible for:
Some supervision of junior research staff
Post base:
Office-based/Non Office-based (see job hazard analysis)
Level:
4
Job purpose
Laboratory technician/Research scientist in carbonate/water/organic-based stable isotope mass spectrometry
(C, O, and N) to be responsible for maintenance support and day-to-day running of three mass spectrometers
in the facility, oversight of sample preparations and for participation in the supervision of student projects.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
optimization,
1.
mai Development, maintenance, support and optimal day-to-day functioning of the
stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry laboratory in terms of sample
throughput and quality of results
40
2.
Trouble-shooting instrumentation problems and effecting solutions
20
3.
Management and oversight of work flow and provision of assistance,
supervision and training of research scientists and research students using the
laboratory (sample preparation and presentation through to data quality
assurance).
30
4.
Execution of consultancy tasks undertaken by the laboratory
5
5.
Assistance in strategic development to maintain the quality and modernization
of the facility and its cross-NOCS and cross-University integration
5
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
Internal and external relationships (including nature and purpose of relationships)
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
How to be
assessed
Qualifications, knowledge & experience
- BSc in relevant scientific discipline

- MSc or higher in relevant scientific
discipline
- Technical experience with light stable isotope mass
spectrometry; dual inlet and/or continuous flow
- Experience in data management
- Prior research experience with publications
Application

Application

Application

Application

Application
Planning & organising
- Ability to organise laboratory workflow to deadlines and
quality standards

Interview
- Ability to multi-task

Interview
- Ability to coordinate and schedule multiple users

Interview

Interview
- Able to supervise work of junior research scientists and
research students, delegating effectively

Application
- Computer literate (notably spreadsheets and databases)

Application
Problem solving & initiative
- Ability to trouble-shoot instrumentation problems and effect
solutions
Management & teamwork
Communicating & influencing
- Ability to communicate new and complex information
effectively, both verbally and in writing, engaging the interest
and enthusiasm of the target audience
Document1

Interview
2
Interview
- Ability to communicate work flow, operational and data
quality updates at group meetings
- Ability to work proactively throughout the Palaeo Research
Group and with colleagues and groups across NOCS and other
the University areas/institutions, contributing specialist
knowledge to achieve outcomes

Interview

Other skills & behaviours
- Positive attitude towards colleagues and students

Interview
Special requirements
- Willing to work irregular hours as opposed to strict
adherence to standard times, when needed by the nature of
instrumentation operations and trouble shooting.
Document1

Interview
3
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
OFFICE-BASED POST
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU) no further information needs to
be supplied.
NON-OFFICE BASED POST
If this post has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the
analysis below.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:

Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips

Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working

## night work/on call duties

Document1
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