Job Description
Job title:
Department/School:
Grade:
Location:
Technician
MAS (Microscopy & Analysis Suite)
5
MAS (3 West 2.11-2.16)
Job purpose
The principle aim of the post of Technician in the Microscopy & Analysis Suite
(MAS) is to work as a part of the multi-skilled MAS team providing a service in
microscopy & analysis to researchers, postgraduate students and undergraduate
students from across the faculties of Science & Engineering. Skills provided by
the team include use, calibration and maintenance of a wide variety of complex
microscopes (SEM, TEM, CLSM, AFM, Raman, High Content) and analytical
instruments (FTIR, FACs, EDX) with expertise provided in sample preparation
(materials, biologicals) and data analysis. The team also arrange lectures and
courses in microscopy and analysis and provide a consultancy service to private
companies requiring use of MAS equipment.
Source and nature of management provided
The post holder will be line managed by the Technical Manager of MAS but will
work closely with other members of the MAS team.
Staff management responsibility
The post holder will be responsible for organising their own workload in
collaboration with other MAS staff.
Career and Professional Development Activities
To develop expertise in the use of microscopy and analysis instruments, sample
preparation and data analysis by bespoke training from MAS team and hands-on
practice. Attendance at relevant theoretical courses will be encouraged.
Special conditions
Lifting and handling of heavy objects (gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen dewar, glass bell
jars) is a necessity although training will be given and lifting/handling aids are
provided where appropriate. Contact with chemicals, solvents, oils, liquid nitrogen
etc. is part of the job and PPE will be provided along with risk assessment sheets.
Normal University flexitime rules apply with the proviso that core MAS access time
must be supported (in conjunction with other MAS staff).
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Main duties and responsibilities
Using technical expertise to support the MAS team in providing an efficient
microscopy & analysis service across the Faculties of Science and Engineering
including:
1
Taking responsibility for the two laboratories in MAS by:
 Supervising MAS users when working in the laboratories
 Ensuring health & safety standards are met in the laboratories.
 Organising the laboratories for ease of use by MAS users
 Overseeing the storage & disposal of hazardous chemicals
 Ensuring general cleanliness in the laboratories
 Providing a continuous supply of distilled water & liquid nitrogen
 Maintaining sample preparation supplies and stock levels
 Overseeing the labelling and storage of MAS users samples
2
Providing MAS users with assistance and/or training in sample preparation
techniques related to electron microscopy (SEM & TEM), FTIR & Raman
microscopy:
 Grid coating for TEM
 Evaporation/sputtering of metals
 Mounting & de-gassing of samples for SEM
 Fixation, dehydration and embedding of samples.
 Freeze-fracturing of samples for SEM
 Sectioning of resin embedded samples
 Polishing of resin embedded samples
 Freeze drying of samples
 Critical drying of samples
3
Assisting MAS staff in the set-up and shut-down procedures on the flow
cytometers & confocal microscopes and taking responsibility for these
procedures when necessary.
4
Testing of equipment within MAS for electrical safety (PAT) – training will be
provided.
5
Planning and carrying out day-to-day maintenance and calibration of:
 Laboratory equipment (balance, pH meter, light microscopes,
polishing equipment, vacuum pumps, microtomes etc.)
 Sputter coaters
 Evaporators
 Freeze drier
Assisting postgraduate and undergraduate MAS users to:
 Operate the FTIR instrument
 Operate the SEM
6
The post holder will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a
similar nature as reasonably required by your line manager. You are required to
follow all University policies and procedures at all times and take account of
University guidance.
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Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
A/F
Qualifications
Have completed a degree in chemistry,
biology or physics, a BTEC Higher
National Certificate, or an equivalent
qualification.
Experience/Knowledge
Previous experience in laboratory work.
X
X
X
X
Previous experience with maintaining
electronic and/or vacuum equipment.
X
I/T
X
An interest in Microscopy
X
Skills
Be a good communicator and able to
instruct others, especially students from
a variety of different cultures.
X
X
X
Have the ability to work as part of a team
with excellent interpersonal skills.
X
X
X
Ability to work with efficiency and
accuracy while prioritising workload.
X
X
X
Competence in IT skills
X
X
X
Be willing to learn new skills.
X
X
Be willing and able to travel to attend
microscopy courses & workshops in
order to build up knowledge and
experience in the field of microscopy.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Attributes
Ability to work in a team
IT literate
Good interpersonal skills
Good communicator
Code: A/F – Application form, I/T – Interview/Test, R – References
Human Resources
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12/02/2016
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