Technical Specialist (EPR Spectroscopy)

Role Description

Department

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a Technical Specialist in EPR Spectroscopy, to provide support for a range of high impact biomolecular and chemical research that uses Bruker EMX, Jeol JES-RE1X and X-320 CW EPR spectrometers. Users of these systems include research groups interested in biomolecular structure and interactions, and synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry. This role will involve the analysis of a wide variety of samples, as well as maintenance and support for these instruments.   

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction, and we have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. As a Department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education. The University is a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment and the Department is committed to increasing the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of technicians: https://www.york.ac.uk/staff/working/tech-york/.

Role

The Technical Specialist will manage a range of EPR equipment, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, reliable and timely analytical data to support research, teaching and external collaborations. The role is responsible for the effective day-to-day operation of the equipment, maintaining high standards of quality assurance and laboratory safety. Core responsibilities include:

• assisting users of Bruker and Jeol EPR spectrometers in the running of experiments for the characterisation of chemical and biomolecular samples
• supporting the operation of the EPR spectrometers and installation of new instrumentation
• providing training for researchers to work on these systems, and recording spectra where necessary
• ensuring safe working practices are followed
• undertaking other duties as required to support the EPR service

This post is available at 20% FTE on a 12-month fixed term contract. Please note that flexible working patterns will be considered. 

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• Undergraduate degree, or equivalent relevant experience
• Proven track record in and demonstrable in-depth experience of EPR spectroscopy, and in the application of associated technical skills
• Proven ability to work independently under own initiative, using problem solving and analytical skills
• Competent in the operation and maintenance of EPR spectroscopic equipment
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data and to design and deliver training on EPR spectroscopy
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with staff, students and external stakeholders.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Hannah Briers (Deputy Technical Operations Manager) - hannah.briers@york.ac.uk or Dr Graeme McAllister (Head of Technical Operations - Chemistry, Environment and Geography) - Graeme.McAllister@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.