Applications are sought for a research technician with expertise in Electron Probe Micro-Analysis (EPMA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in the Electron Microscopy Facility (EMF) of the University of St Andrews. The facility supports the schools of Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Sciences, and comprises state of the art EPMA, several SEMs, TEMs, Raman spectroscopy and a dual beam FIB/SEM. The primary duties of the research technician will be to maintain and operate the Jeol JXA-iSP100 EPMA, develop calibration and analytical protocols, train users including students and undertake troubleshooting. The EPMA is equipped with 5 WDS spectrometers, EDS, Backscattered and secondary electron detectors and a cathodoluminescence detector. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to become familiar with the operation of other equipment in the facility (SEM, TEM, Raman) where needed in supporting the analytical needs in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

We particularly seek an individual with expertise in the use of EPMA for the analysis of geological materials with an understanding of mineralogy and petrology and an enthusiasm for EPMA method development. Additional experience with the use of third-party imaging and processing software such as XmapTools would be useful but not required.

Key research themes in the Schoolof Earth & Environmental Sciences include Planets and Life, Climate, Society, and Environmental Change, and Earth Resources and Sustainability. Our electron microscopy facilities underpin these research themes, and we have major international projects funded to analyse a wide range of geological materials including critical raw materials, cryptotephra, marine organisms and meteorites. The successful candidate is encouraged to develop collaborative research programmes with research staff and the technician’s contribution to scientific output within the school will be recognised through authorship on academic publications, in line with UKRI Technician Commitment.

The successful applicant will have a PhD degree in Earth Sciences or analytical material sciences, and significant analytical experience with electron microscopy techniques, including training of users.

This is a standard position, starting on 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:      

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• A range of wellbeing initiatives including membership of Peppy, a health application that connects staff to expert practitioners and personalized support on health matters

Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Richard White, email: rww3@st-andrews.ac.uk

Applications are particularly welcome from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in professional posts at the University.  

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on hrimmigration@st-andrews.ac.uk

Closing Date: 28 October 2024

Interview Date 21 November 2024

Please Quote Ref: TG1115DD

Further Particulars: TG1115DD FPs.doc

School of Earth & Environmental Sciences 

Salary: £37,999 - £45,163 per annum (£38,249 - £45,413 per annum from March 2025)

Start Date: 1 March 2025