Job Description
Job title:
Materials Preparation Technician
Department:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Responsible to:
Technical Supervisor
Location:
4 East & 2 East Laboratories
Grade:
Technical Grade 5
Job Purpose:To provide technical support, advice and guidance for materials preparation in
the various laboratories and facilities within both the Departmental and Faculty
materials science facilities.
To advise and assist with undergraduate and post graduate projects and
activities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Using a high degree of technical expertise, provide support for research and
teaching in materials, advising and assisting academic , research staff and
students at all levels including:
1. To manage and maintain the Department’s materials preparation
equipment, materials and ceramics laboratories.
2. To provide a comprehensive materials preparation and testing support
service for the Faculty. Techniques to include sample preparation for both
incident and transmitted light microscopy, electron microscopy and other
observation and testing regimes.
3. To support and maintain the ceramics processing equipment eg. isostatic
press, vacuum equipment, presses, furnaces etc.
4. To handle and maintain a stock of chemicals and resins, some potentially
hazardous.
5. To advise and assist academic and research staff with techniques and
methodology.
6. To operate and train staff and students in the use of various pieces of
thermal measurement equipment eg. DMTA, DVS, dilatometers,
impedance measurement etc..
7. To operate a range of microscopes, including the heating stage
microscope, to carry out the preparation of both coarse and fine samples,
and to liaise with other departments in the Faculty and the Electron
Microscopy Unit.
8. To advise and assist other staff as required.
9. To be responsible for the maintenance of a clean and safe workshop
environment and to be the designated custodian for assigned laboratory
space.
10. To check, clean and maintain laboratory equipment.
11. To comply with both statutory and university safety protocols.
Supervision
Line Manager:
Technical Manager
Supervisor:
Technical Supervisor
Supervision received:
Guidance only
Supervision given:
None
Special Conditions
Although based in the main departmental laboratories, the job may involve
working at times in any of the Department’s specialist laboratories. Lifting and
handling of heavy and/or large objects is a necessity although training will be
given and lifting/handling aids are provided where appropriate. Contact with
chemicals, solvents, adhesives, oils, fuels etc. is part of the job and again
PPE is provided along with COSHH assessment sheets for the materials.
Other Related Activities and Functions
To be flexible and to assist with technical duties in other Faculty of
Engineering & Design departments, if requested by the Director of Technical
Services, in liaison with the Heads of Departments, Technical Managers and
Technical Supervisors, due to variations in workload, staff shortages or reorganisation.
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
HNC/HND or equivalent in material
science or a related subject
Assessed by
A/F
X
Degree/postgraduate qualification in
material science
I
X
X
X
Experience/Knowledge
Substantial experience of working with
materials and material preparation.
X
X
X
T
Previous experience of working in a
laboratory/university and an
understanding of the issues to be faced
in such a work environment.
X
X
X
Experience of maintaining and operating
complex testing equipment.
X
X
X
X
X
Experience of managing commercial
testing.
X
Skills
Use of complex testing equipment
X
X
X
Design of testing regimes.
X
X
X
Materials preparation techniques.
X
X
X
Management skills.
X
X
X
Commercial awareness.
X
X
X
Ability to work independently with
minimal supervision.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Competence in IT skills and Internet
usage.
X
X
X
Previous experience working with
students and / or researchers.
X
X
X
Ability to work as part of a team with
excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to work with efficiency and
accuracy while prioritising workload to
meet deadlines.
Attributes
Ability to work in a team
X
X
IT literate
X
X
Good interpersonal skills
X
X
Good communicator
X
X