Materials Research Technician

The Materials Research team is seeking a specialist technician to support their ongoing cement research project with CEMCOR. The role involves supporting laboratory and on-site testing of cement and cement-based materials. The candidate will be based at the Environment and Materials Characterisation Laboratory (EMCL) at Queen’s University but will regularly travel to the CEMCOR cement production facility in Cookstown. EMCL houses an impressive collection of analytical equipment used in cement and materials science research. It is expected that the candidate will assist the team with data collection, interpretation, and contribute to regular meetings to help advance research into cement and cement-based materials. This initiative is part of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of cement and transition the industry toward a net-zero future.

About the person:

The team is looking for a candidate with a minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience in materials such as cement, concrete, metals, or other construction materials.

• The candidate should have academic and/or vocational qualifications such as an HND/HNC or NVQ Level 4 in Construction, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Geology, or other subjects related to Materials or Construction. Higher qualifications and/or membership in professional institutions will be viewed positively.
• The candidate should be able to demonstrate proficiency and technical knowledge in their specific scientific/technical specialism.
• They should be capable of planning and conducting their own work, working in a fast-paced environment, meeting deadlines, and presenting findings to the team.
• The candidate should have a solid understanding of relevant regulations and procedures in own area of work, including Health and Safety requirements, and should be able to manage budgets and resources effectively.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.