Description Position Details School of Chemical Engineering Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Full time starting salary is normally in the range £25,866 to £27,518, with potential progression once in post to £30,820 Grade: 4 Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2026 Closing date: 20th January 2025 Background The research we are currently conducting, funded through the BRC (Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre - https://www.birminghambrc.nihr.ac.uk/ ), looks to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB - for more information see https://www.debra.org.uk/ ). EB is genetic disease which causes blistering as a result of everyday occurrences, for example knocking your hand by accident, or even brushing your teeth, causing extreme pain. In severe cases, this results in challenges when eating, as many foods (e.g. crisps etc.) can be sufficient to create blisters in the mouth. This work will look to create new foods which can give “normal” food perception, however, rapidly liquidise in the mouth to prevent sores. The objectives of the project will be to manufacture these new foods to undertake a sensory trial with patients. Therefore, the work will involve; Creating design rules which allows the fabrication of foods with different textural properties. Developing scaled methods to manufacture the new foods. Preparing standard operating procedures and manufacturing samples. You will be part of the Healthcare Technologies Institute, within the School of Chemical Engineering, which brings together leading experts from a variety of disciplines across the University of Birmingham, including chemical engineering, biomedical science, computer science, applied mathematics, chemistry and physics. This innovative and exciting area seeks to accelerate new therapeutic technologies so that they can make an impact to public health. Role Summary You will provide technical support for research activities as required, utilising your technical skills and a wide range of techniques. You will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate research activity. In order to flexibly use resource you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University. Main Duties Research duties To optimise the physicochemical parameters novel food matrices. Develop methods to produce these food matrices at pilot scale (small batch scale). Prepare standard operating procedures in order to manufacture the food matrices to food grade levels. Undertake courses to achieve food grade certification and prepare samples for sensory trials within our designated facilities. Undertake analyses of data and generate graphs of results. Carry out techniques and experimental procedures as required by research staff, students and Principal Investigators, designed to contribute to a specific research project or projects. You will be expected to resolve problems in your area of expertise but also recognise when problems need to be referred to more senior staff. You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out, and of any other research activities you may be involved in, including results. Comply with any legislation relevant to the area of research/activity. Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for the activity. Demonstrate techniques to other staff and/or students on the area of expertise as required. You will contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections. Health and Safety You will be expected to uphold compliance with all University and local Health & Safety policies, including risk assessments and manual handling, reporting any breaches or non-compliance to the relevant manager. You will be expected to manage the safe handling and disposal of all materials used in research laboratories, including hazardous materials. If required, assist or prepare risk assessments and keep these up to date. You will need to maintain all records as appropriate. Carry out regular maintenance processes as appropriate. Administrative duties You may be required to assist with PAT testing and calibration of equipment, and with updating equipment inventories. Maintain stocks of consumables and, if necessary, creating purchase order requisitions. Receipt and correct storage of consumables and chemical reagents. Ensure that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems. Reporting any problems with equipment or services which cannot be resolved to the line manager as appropriate. Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures where practicable. Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others. Any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post holder. Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject. NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent level three qualification and specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject. GCSE level 2 (A- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English. Practical experience of working within a laboratory with a working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice. Experience of working in a laboratory based teaching or research environment; or be able to demonstrate the capability to participate in research projects. Ability to organise and manage own workload after consultation with manager. Familiarity with the use of a wide range of general laboratory equipment e.g. balances, pH meters, autoclaves, glass washing machines, microscopes. Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters, together with the communication skills to interact with a range of people, including students. Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines. The post holder will be fully familiar with the safe handling and storage of laboratory materials. Good IT skills, having a familiarity with both Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS will be advantageous. Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace. Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures. Dimensions You will have no direct line management responsibility (other than occasional instructions to other staff) and no budget to manage. Planning and Organising You will be able to schedule and organise your own work within the priorities and requirements for the area. Problem Solving and decision making You will deliver a level of service as agreed, carrying out daily research support as required. You will be expected to assist in analysis and interpretation of research results. Internal and External relationships This role is primarily concerned with advising and supporting research staff. Informal enquiries to Emma Lardner, email: e.c.lardnerbham.ac.uk We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .