Technical Specialist (Reactor running/maintenance, and polymer/molecular characterisation)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Technical Specialist (Reactor running/maintenance, and polymer/molecular characterisation) to support the EPSRC-funded REMOVE-UM project and wider polymer recycling activity. This is an exciting opportunity to provide specialist technical support for research, teaching and related operations in a dynamic Faculty environment.

You will be responsible for:

• Commissioning, operating, maintaining and providing training on high temperature and pressure chemical reactor systems and related ancillary equipment.
• Preparing analytical samples and carrying out polymer and small molecule characterisation using techniques such as TGA, FTIR, GC-FID and HPLC.
• Providing high-quality technical advice, guidance and experimental support to staff, students, visitors and external customers.
• Working collaboratively with research teams, technical colleagues and stakeholders across the University to support teaching, research and operational planning.
• Maintaining high standards of health and safety, compliance and continuous improvement within laboratory and technical environments.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• Knowledge of and skills to manage, maintain and operate a high temperature and pressure chemical reactor systems.
• Demonstratable expertise and the skills required to carry out catalytic transformations.
• Practical and applied experience in the preparation of and analysis of polymer and/or molecular characterisation techniques (TGA, DSC, FTIR, GC-FID, NMR, GPC etc.)
• An ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• An awareness and understanding of all relevant health and safety requirements in the workplace, including the application of specific legislative requirements such as risk assessments, operating procedures and COSHH, etc. in a laboratory environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in troubleshooting and maintaining complex laboratory equipment.
• Experience in experimental development using reactor systems.
• Experience of working with specialist IT packages/software e.g. ChemDraw, ChemStation, PPMS, LabCup, TRIOS.
• A PhD or advanced degree.
• Experience of managing projects e.g. procurement, equipment installations, etc.

Our benefits include:
• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Denise Grehan

Email Address: denise.grehan@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.