Post Title: Principal Technical Officer (Research)

SBU/Department: School of Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science

FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Permanent

Salary: UH6 £31,396pa to £33,966pa with potential to progress to £37,099pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Annual Leave: 25 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield

The School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science (SPECS) is seeking to appoint a Principal Technical Officer into an exciting Technical role. SPECS is in a thrilling period of expansion with an imminent new £100M Building “SPECTRA” and a multimillion pound research grant. We offer a wide range of degrees including Physics, Robotics & AI, Computer Science, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering and in terms of size for those disciplines, we are the Number 1 HEI in the UK. Whilst the role will primarily be supporting Energy and Sustainable Design research, you will also have the opportunity to support other areas of the School. This dynamic position will cover a multi discipline research laboratory with the potential to utilise your talent to make it your own.

The successful applicant will be leading a team of technicians in the research laboratories and workshops to provide technical support for the school's research and teaching, and to assist in the further developments of equipment and facilities within the school technical labs and work areas.

The successful applicant must be able to work as part of a busy team and will need to build relationships with both internal and external stake holders. Excellent communication skills and customer service is paramount.

Main duties and responsibilities

Applicants must be able to manage a technical team to provide technical support for research activity, commercial clients, and teaching within the laboratories run by the School. To assist in the further developments of equipment and facilities within the School research labs and workshops. Coordination of planned activities across the satellite areas and labs linked to CDIO.

You will be responsible for the preparation of materials and equipment for research, practical, commercial, and short course classes as required in one or more areas of the school. This will involve support for specialist techniques in a laboratory/workshop environment area for researchers, undergraduate, and postgraduate students and occasional support in other areas within the school.

You will be expected to demonstrate the safe use of testing kits, technical equipment, general assistance and specialist skills to all groups of researchers, staff, and students. You will assist, when available, with consultancy work and research within the school and help in the continual development of new research techniques.

The role will also require you to instigate the ordering and maintenance of stock levels and minor equipment as required for research in consultation with the Programme and Module Leaders and other academic staff. In addition to this, you must have a thorough knowledge of the relevant safety procedures applicable to laboratories and workshops, whilst ensuring these procedures are adhered to by all users. You will be required to comply with all national and local Health and Safety rules and regulations. This will include oversight of varied statutory compliance.

Skills and experience required

Proven professional experience of working in a laboratory/workshop environment and with students in FE or HE sector. Substantial proven experience in research testing equipment, processes, and calibration. Experience in specialist testing equipment to include electronics equipment, a bespoke testing set-up. Ability to use specialist software for undergrad research and teaching.

Ideally you will have previous customer service experience. You will have strong IT skills including the use of Microsoft Office. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. In addition, you will have a good understanding of customer care and the ability to put this in to practice. You will have a positive “can do” attitude, be flexible and adaptable in approach and you'll be motivated to learn new skills.

You will need to demonstrate strong attention to detail and good organisational and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications required

Minimum of a Degree in STEM subject or related technical subject or equivalent qualifications or proven work experience.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work, or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work, before an offer is made.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Giorgos Gkizelis, Technical Manager, [email protected]

Closing Date : 08 July 2024

Interview Date: TBC

Reference Number: 057639

Date advert placed: 24 June 2024

Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts