Geofacilities Laboratory Manager

***Closing date extended to 12:00pm on Friday 15th March 2024***





We are seeking an experienced member of the team to be responsible for the
management of facilities and collections that support geological research and
teaching in the Department.





The post holder will be a highly skilled technician with responsibility for
the management, smooth running, maintenance, safety and security of the
laboratory facilities. They will line-manage a Technician and, together, will
provide technical services, training, support and advice to staff and students
from the Department.





The laboratories forming the Geofacilities constitute a Small Research
Facility (SRF) within the Department and comprise:





• The optical light microscope laboratory with research-grade reflected and
transmitted light microscopes and digital imaging.



• The rock cutting, and the thin section preparation and polishing
laboratories.



• The rock crushing and mineral separation facilities.



• The palaeontological and sedimentological preparation laboratory; a
(chemical) preparation laboratory with fume extraction and sample washing and
drying facilities



• A rock store containing active research collections.





With the support of the academic staff, the post holder will seek to develop a
wide circle of contacts in the sample preparation and microscopy worlds, both
within academia and the commercial sector, enabling them to keep up-to-date
with the latest techniques and equipment development.





The post holder will be expected to provide training to departmental users in
the proper use of equipment and laboratory techniques and support, maintain
and update their knowledge and techniques – attending appropriate training
courses and conferences as required. The post holder will also be expected to
promote and publicise the services of the laboratories within the department
and wider University and external clients to generate income.





**About you**





You will hold a PhD or have equivalent experience in Laboratory management or
Practice.





You will have substantial practical experience in at least two of the
following areas: rock preparation and mineral separation; thin section making
and polishing; optical microscopy and microscope maintenance; archiving and
curation of research and teaching materials





You will have significant experience of delivering technical support in the
Earth Sciences or a similar discipline, together with evidence of an ability
to liaise with both students and senior members of the Department in a
technical capacity.





You will have the ability to work independently to plan, set and achieve
goals, and have a positive open mind with a pro-active approach to managing
the laboratories.





You will have excellent interpersonal and communications skills and strong
attention to detail.





You will demonstrate excellent Health and Safety knowledge of regulations in a
laboratory environment and have strong IT skills.





You will also have experience of managing staff and budgets.





For further information about the post people see the job description.





This role is permanent upon successful completion of a one-year probationary
period.





Closing date: **12.00pm** **15th March 2024**





Interviews will take place in person at the Department on 29th April 2024.