Research Technician (Air Pollution) School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences 104955 Grade 5

Position Details

School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 29647 to 31460 with potential progression once in post to 35388

Grade: 5

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to March 2030

Closing date: 23rd October 2025

Background

The University of Birmingham wants to attract outstanding inspirational and talented people support them to succeed and celebrate their at the University of Birmingham gives you access to the best financial and physical resources a beautiful campus and an intellectually stimulating and diverse community. Our sector leading development programmes have made this a place where staff can thrive and recognition by Athena Swan Stonewall and Two Ticks demonstrates our commitment to supporting talented people from all appointment is within our atmospheric science air pollution research is truly international in perspective and world-leading in combines cutting-edge science with high policy-relevance and has been extensively used by governments and international organisations such as WHO.

Role Summary

This is fixed-term full-time (100%) research technician post funded by the Dept. for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for a period of 4.5 years to join the world class multidisciplinary atmospheric science team at the University of Birmingham. The post holder will be responsible for day-to day operation of the Birmingham Air Quality Supersite (BAQS) located on the University north is one of only three such urban supersite facilities funded originally by the Natural Environment Research Council who maintain an interest though the National Centre for Atmospheric Science a distributed Research Centre within which the University is a comprises a large range of state-of-the-art instruments for measuring key components of the atmosphere relevant both to public health and to research in atmospheric science. This well-supported but challenging role requires dedicated laboratory work using highly advanced techniques in which training will be given. The post holder will work closely with our large and distinguished atmospheric science research team to collect process and analyse scientifically robust data to deliver high-end research. The post holder will be expected to maintain and calibrate equipment manage consumables and to write COSHH risk assessments/method statements where appropriate. The post holder will also provide support for and contribute to College activities under the direction of the Technical Services and Operations Manager as required.

The post holder should have knowledge and experience in a relevant area of chemistry physics environmental science or engineering. The post holder will be expected to maintain and operate instruments for a wide range of analytes and physical properties. They may also be involved in data recording and archiving manipulation and analysis as well as the general maintenance of the laboratory including managing designated items of equipment and ancillary services. They will assist with the research group and school in the management of safety including maintenance use and eventual disposal of stocks of chemicals including toxic substances. The post holder must therefore be fully aware of the School and University policies and relevant legislation. Training is available if needed.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the activities outlined below:

Instrument Management

• Maintenance of experimental infrastructure for the collection of atmospheric samples using standard sample collection protocols.
• Operation maintenance and calibration of automatic analysers for atmospheric measurements.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures and develop modified and new procedures if required.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and COSSH forms for relevant procedures within the project.
• Download and archive data from the instruments.
• Work closely with the atmospheric science research team to ensure complementarity and smooth field and laboratory measurement campaigns.
• Operate the facility in a safe well maintained condition with due regard for data quality and assurance

Other Duties

• In collaboration with the senior technical and academic staff the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff/students.
• To actively engage in the Personal Development Process.
• To contribute at a level appropriate with the grade to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.
• Assist Technical Managers in identifying and tracking items held on the University asset register.

General laboratory organisation Research support and administration

The post holder will assist with the daily administration and organisation of the work area and will be expected to:

• Assist where necessary with rapid and accurate archiving of incoming research materials.
• Maintain stocks of laboratory consumables;this will involve ordering assisting with preparation of reagents collection of goodsand materials from the College Stores and other areas overseeing receipt and correct storage of consumables and materials.
• Assist the research team with safe disposal of all types of waste through the correct channels.
• Assist the research team in ensuring that the laboratory facilities are maintained in a clean functional and safe state reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is routinely maintained and fully-functional.

Health and Safety

General Workplace Health and Safety

• Understand and comply with foundations of health and safety including responsibility for health and safety under the HASWA.
• Understand and comply with risk assessment & control including COSHH assessments.
• Complete risk assessment and implement controls including for COSHH.
• Understand and practise fire and electrical safety procedures in the workplace.
• Understand and practise safe manual handling and repetitive activities including DSE.
• Understand Hazardous area classification & DSEAR regulations and how they apply within their area of responsibility.
• Understand and comply with site and local emergency procedures.
• Understand and comply with the Universitys safety policies and procedures.

Laboratory Safety & Housekeeping

• Work safely in a laboratory.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping.
• Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required.
• Understand and follow risk assessments.
• Understand and comply with laboratory health and safety and compliance with legal regulatory and ethical requirements.

Environmental Management

• Understand the management and control of laboratory waste.
• Understand the handling and disposal of chemical substances.
• Understand environmental risk assessments (impact assessment).

Quality

• Understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to their work.
• Perform laboratory tasks following specified methodologies such as Standard Operating Procedures.
• Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment including calibration where required.

Required Knowledge Skills Qualifications Experience

• A BSc or MSc in a physical science environmental science or engineering discipline.
• Experience of laboratory analysis of trace environmental chemicals and/or field methods in atmospheric science or a related area.
• Knowledge of technical and scientific methods stated above and Good Laboratory Practice gained through extensive experience and formal qualification.
• Courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work independently but also function as part of a team.
• Knowledge of current relevant H&S policies.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Willingness to work towards professional registration.
• Ability to drive is an asset but is not an essential requirement.

Informal enquiries to Roy Harrison email:

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