Mechanical and Materials Technician

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The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning. Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation have a vital part they play in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation. Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing.  

Technical colleagues support a wide range of specialist resources across the College of Science and Engineering. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, workshops and controlled environments. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE), East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIOT) and the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA).

As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.

Many of our highly skilled technical staff members hold PhDs and Degrees in disciplines associated with the specialisms they deliver. An increasing number of our technicians have been recognised for their contribution to teaching and student support as Fellows and Associate Fellows of Advance HE. A number also hold professional accreditation status through organisations such as the Science Council, which establishes knowledge, understanding and competence.   

About the Role

The School of Engineering is seeking to appoint a Mechanical and Materials Technician to provide technical support for research and teaching activities related to mechanical and material processes within the College of Science and Engineering.

As a member of our technical team, you will be responsible for day-to-day operations which include training, equipment setup, and supervising students in the labs. You will ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, order consumables and equipment, and organize the disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, you will liaise with suppliers and service engineers to maintain and service laboratory equipment.

Working closely with academics and members of technical team you will provide specialist support relating to research and teaching activities, working across several laboratories with a high degree of autonomy. You will be able to provide full technical support to students and staff including training and advice on the appropriate use of resources.

About You

You should hold qualification(s) equivalent to HND in either Mechanical Engineering or Material Engineering, or have comparable knowledge and transferable skills gained through professional experience.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable specialist technical experience gained working in a material or mechanical environment, preferably within a research or educational setting. You should have an interest in composite manufacturing technologies and be skilled in the use of standard machine tools and workshop equipment. You will have a knowledge and a good understanding of workshop health and safety and relevant regulations.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Local Government Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymDiscounted access to Devonshire SpaCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Richard Bostock, Technical Team Leader via r.bostock@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk 

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit Applying from Overseas - How to apply for a job at the University of Derby - University of Derby for more information.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.

Closing Date: 29 Sep 2024

Area: Technical Support

Salary: £27,280 to £29,634 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £34,090 per annum)