Quantum Sensing Research Technician at University of Birmingham

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to March 2025 

Closes: 3^rd April 2024

The successful candidate will a thriving and diverse research group at the University to provide project and management support. Since 2014, the University has led the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Timing. Bringing together academic partners from seven universities, the British Geological Survey and the National Physical Laboratory, this interdisciplinary Hub is active in translating quantum technology research into applications, including over 200 collaborative projects with industry. This includes research in areas such as atom interferometry for civil engineering and navigation, magnetometry for healthcare, and precision timing based on optical clocks for advanced radar systems.

The post holder will be expected to have a broadly applicable practical skill and mindset, but not necessarily all the skills listed above. For that reason, the post holder should also be eager to be trained on-the-job in skills which will benefit the research team. The post holder will acquire a unique and widely useful skillset in the rapidly emerging field of quantum technology.

Main Duties

Technicians aid the rapidity and quality of scientific achievements with sophisticated and timely technical support. You will be expected to collaborate closely with members of the research team to create optimal solutions and work proactively and use your initiative and planning skills to set your own priorities to ensure progress is maintained as expected.

• To support Research Project delivery, workstreams and working groups within an overall project or manage elements of larger projects or smaller projects on your own, under the supervision of project leads. 
• Support may include some or all of the following:
  • maintenance of laboratory equipment, such as CNC machines, 3D Printers, vacuum ovens, soldering benches;
  • designing and machining or additively manufacturing parts for ultra-high vacuum preparation and assembly; 
  • designing and constructing electronic or embedded systems, radiofrequency and microwave components;
  • design, assembly, and characterisation of optical systems;
  • developing and proposing solutions for any issues; 
• Contribute to developing and maintaining health and safety processes.
• Determine short term priorities for own work, ensuring you maximise quality, efficiency and continuity.
• You may be asked to manage other colleagues working on the project/s and this will include allocating work.

Person Specification

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications). Where no equivalent qualification is held, significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a similar role will be required.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly, and to analyse information and data.
• Highly proficient IT engineering skills, including computer aided design, e.g. Autodesk, Solidworks, Altium, EAGLE, or equivalents.
• Ability to understand policy, processes, and procedures, but also to recommend improvements and implement changes.
• Excellent analytical skills used to identify issues and resolve them decisively.

Informal enquiries to Dr Andrew Hinton, email: a.hinton.1@bham.ac.uk and Professor Michael Holynski, email: m.holynski@bham.ac.uk  

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

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.