Assistant Technical Specialist

University of Birmingham - College of Engineering and Physical Sciences - School of Metallurgy and Materials

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £33,002 to £35,608 Grade 6

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 18th August 2025

Closes: 8th September 2025

Job Ref: 106194

Job Summary

The Sustainable Physical Metallurgy Group is seeking a laboratory manager to oversee daily operations, ensuring efficient, safe, and compliant practices. This role involves managing technical staff, advising researchers and students on experimental techniques, and troubleshooting technical challenges. You will also manage laboratory resources, maintain safety standards, and support sustainability initiatives. Participation in audits, teaching activities, and outreach is an essential part of the role.

Main Duties

• Oversee daily operations of the Sustainable Physical Metallurgy Group laboratories, ensuring smooth and safe practices.
• Ensure risk assessments, safety procedures, and inventories are up-to-date and compliant with relevant legislation.
• Line-manage technical staff, conducting one-to-one meetings, providing training, support, and performance reviews.
• Advise researchers and students on experimental techniques and offer support for varying experience levels.
• Resolve technical issues, suggest solutions, and improve experimental methods.
• Carry out complex technical procedures, ensuring experimental accuracy.
• Manage laboratory consumables, equipment, and ensure proper waste disposal procedures are followed.
• Participate in internal audits and contribute to teaching and outreach activities.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in managing research-focused laboratories, with a strong emphasis on health and safety.
• Ability to lead and develop technical teams, conduct performance reviews, and mentor junior staff.
• Strong technical expertise with experience troubleshooting, advising, and optimizing experimental methods.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage resources, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• A proactive approach to sustainability, including energy-saving and carbon reduction initiatives.
• A commitment to promoting an inclusive work environment and supporting equality and diversity.
• Adaptability to contribute to outreach activities, teaching, and take on additional duties as needed.

Informal enquiries can be made to Peter Miles, email: p.miles@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment. We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.