Technician: Research Support

Role Description

Department 

The Department of Chemistry seeks a Technician (Grade 4) to provide technical support across several synthetic chemistry research laboratories. This role focuses on supporting the Department's Green Synthesis and Catalysis for a Sustainable Future and Functional Materials Research Themes. The successful post holder will work under the guidance of academic and senior technical staff, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the assigned laboratories. While it is anticipated that weekly hours will be divided relatively equally between the laboratories, some flexibility will be required.

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: 

Role 

The Research Support Technician will ensure the safe and effective operation of a number of research laboratories and contribute to broader research activities by providing practical synthetic chemistry assistance to ongoing projects and supporting the delivery of the Chemistry Analytical Facility micro-analysis service. Core responsibilities include: 

• Carrying out routine analytical tasks, including microanalysis, following established protocols and training, and accurately recording and reporting results. 

• Supporting the day-to-day organisation and housekeeping of chemistry laboratories, ensuring workspaces, equipment, and materials are clean, well-stocked, and ready for research activities. 

• Following and promoting safe working practices in line with laboratory health and safety procedures, including chemical handling, waste disposal, and risk assessments. 

• Work collaboratively with technicians, academics, and researchers across the department to provide flexible, responsive support across laboratory activities.

• Assist with the routine maintenance, setup, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and instrumentation, reporting faults and ensuring safe and effective operation. 

This post is available at 100% FTE on an open contract. Please note that flexible working patterns and job  sharing opportunities will be considered. 

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed 

• A-Level, HNC, or equivalent experience

• Practical wet-lab experience in an academic, industrial or placement setting, including safe handling of chemicals and use of basic laboratory techniques 

• Good understanding of chemistry laboratory operations and procedures, including stock control, ordering consumables and maintaining chemical inventories 

• Strong theoretical knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and laboratory health and safety requirements, including COSHH and risk assessments

• Ability to perform practical laboratory tasks to a high standard with attention to detail, manage time effectively, work to deadlines, and use initiative both independently and as part of a team

• Competence in IT and scientific equipment use, with the ability to maintain records, write standard reports, and assess and solve non-routine problems 

• Experience of microanalysis techniques and possession of, or working towards, RSciTech/EngTech would be advantageous 

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Hannah Briers (Hannah.Briers@york.ac.uk) or Helen Burrell (Helen.Burrell@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.