Technical Specialist (Accelerator Science)

Employment type: Permanent

Hours Per Week: Full Time

Contract Duration: Permanent

Overall Purpose of the Job

We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Technical Specialist to join our dynamic Faculty Technical Operations team, which strives to provide a sector leading technical support for our students and staff.

Working within the area of ion accelerator science at the University’s centre for radiation science, the Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF), the Technical Specialist (DCF Accelerator Science) the postholders will primarily:

• Have a day-to-day responsibility for the efficient and reliable operation of the ion accelerator systems at the Dalton Cumbrian Facility;
• Process all internal and external sample requests and ensuring the timely output/reporting of high-quality data;
• Ensure a reliable and compliant operation of all equipment of the unit, performing where necessary a preventative maintenance and repair, and assisting in the purchasing and installation of the new equipment;
• Develop new analytical methods and procedures as the research needs arise, and implement standard operating procedures, performing experiments, and facilitate knowledge transfer to the staff and students of the faculty.

To effectively support the ion accelerator research projects the successful candidate will be required to routinely work outside of normal hours. This will include routine overnight operation, as part of a 24 hour, Monday to Friday schedule, with the balance of their required attendance made up of standard 9am to 5pm days. (Up to a maximum of 60 ‘shifts’ outside of normal working hours per year).

Essential Criteria

• Excellent understanding of the scientific principles and significant experience necessary for the work including specialist knowledge of ion accelerator systems;
• Proven record of successfully developing strong and effective working relationships with colleagues, students and external users to deliver experiments and provide them with an excellent user experience;
• Significant experience of developing and validating analytical methods and ability to research and understand the relevant scientific literature;
• Experience of maintaining and troubleshooting ion accelerator equipment; evidence of preventing downtime associated with wrong operation conditions;
• Be recognised as an operational specialist in a specific/relevant technical field;
• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the relevant field;
• Ability to apply an in-depth knowledge so as to be a credible point of reference for staff and student enquiries;
• An ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Experience of working in a customer focused technical environment and delivering an exceptional experimental based service;
• An ability to communicate confidently and effectively with staff from across the University at all levels of the organisation;
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve issues effectively;
• Excellent time management, oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent IT skills;
• Ability to work well under pressure;
• An awareness and understanding of all relevant health and safety requirements in the workplace, including the application of specific legislative requirements such as risk assessments, operating procedures and COSHH, etc. in a research environment;
• A flexible approach to work with a willingness to undergo further training and continuous professional development as required;
• A commitment to the University’s core values and to the provision of the best possible support to our students, staff and customers.

Desirable Criteria

• A PhD or advanced degree;
• Experience of working in education environment and/or customer oriented high throughput analytical laboratory setting;
• Experience of leading and managing staff, trainees and/or apprentices;
• Experience of managing projects e.g., procurement, equipment installations, etc.;
• Budgetary management experience and the ability to manage projects and operations within budget.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Robert Jones

Email: robert.jones-3@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the 31 May 2023.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

• SAE- 022069 - Technical Specialist (Accelerator Science) FPs

Location: Dalton Cumbrian Facility, Cumbria

Apply link: https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=25511