Laboratory-Analytical Technician (Fixed term) at University of Nottingham

The School of Biosciences undertakes research and commercial analysis of a wide range of plant/soil/food samples for projects investigating the transfer of trace elements and mineral micronutrients from soils to plants, animals and people. 

Applications are invited for the above fixed-term role based within the Division of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, School of Biosciences at the Sutton Bonington Campus.

The role holder will provide technical support for the elemental analysis of soil, plant and food samples for research and commercial samples to support research teams studying the environment, agriculture, food systems and human nutrition.  

Working efficiently and effectively to ensure high sample throughput, good quality control, and maintenance of accurate records, the role-holder will be responsible for the routine preparation of samples for analysis including sample drying, milling, weighing, digestion, and dilution prior to analysis. There is scope for the post-holder to receive instruction and training in the operation of a range of analytical instrumentation.

The role holder will also have administrative and reporting tasks and work within the wider technical team to assist with general laboratory maintenance, so teamwork and good communication skills are essential.  

Duties will include.

• Provide technical support for sample preparation and analysis, quality checks, interpretation and processing analytical data. 
• Efficient day to day sample preparation including sample drying, milling, digestion, dilution, prior to undertaking routine analysis by inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).  
• Sample handling to comply with relevant health and safety and government and legal requirements e.g. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Authority (APHA).
• Maintain stocks & equipment in own area of expertise and ensure that equipment is appropriately maintained, serviced & repaired.

 Candidates must have:

• Minimum of A-levels in relevant subject, or equivalent qualifications plus some work experience in relevant role. 

OR

• Considerable work experience in relevant role.

The position is offered on a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term contract until 31 December 2024. Job share arrangements may be considered. 

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Liz Bailey, email liz.bailey@nottingham.ac.uk . Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Learn more about the university commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. 

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We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe and we want to make your transition to living in the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page to find out more.

This position does not fulfil the UK Visas & Immigration sponsorship criteria for Skilled Worker, therefore we can only accept applications from candidates who already have the right to work in UK.