Job Vacancies: Two technical posts available at the UCL Institute of Archaeology

Senior Technician in Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis - Ref:1881457 

A Senior Technician in Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis is sought to maintain and further develop our reputation and competence in the study of ancient materials via imaging and microanalysis.

The Senior Technician will supervise and maintain the SEM suite, providing high quality support for research and teaching in the examination and analysis of a wide range of materials from archaeological contexts. The post-holder will also support SEM users from a diverse range of departments across UCL as well as external clients. As a senior member of the departmental technical staff, they will take on key responsibilities for the administration of facilities and safety policies and procedures at the UCL Institute of Archaeology.

Applicants must have a PhD in a scientific discipline and/or demonstrate extensive experience as an SEM technician with management responsibilities. They will have a sound understanding of the principles of electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis systems with demonstrable experience in their operation.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of general laboratory chemistry and best practices and experience in laboratory and/or facilities management. They will also have experience of teaching/training others in the safe use of laboratory facilities.

Technician in Archaeomaterials Preparation and Analysis - Ref:1881489 

A Technician in Archaeomaterials Preparation and Analysis is sought to maintain and further develop our reputation and competence in the study of ancient materials by providing high quality preparation and laboratory support for research and teaching in the analysis of ceramics, glass, lithics, and metals.

The post-holder will be responsible for the smooth operation of the sample preparation laboratories via routine maintenance of spaces and equipment, general upkeep, and management of consumables. They will work closely with a team of academic and technical staff to provide high quality support to users of the Wolfson Archaeological Science Laboratories in the analysis of materials by instrumental methods. They will also offer specialised technical training to UCL Institute of Archaeology students, staff, and external clients in the preparation of archaeological materials for SEM, LA/LIBS-ICP-MS, XRF, XRD and optical microscopy.

Applicants will have an MSc in Archaeological Science, Earth Science, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline. They will have knowledge of the relationship between chemistry, phases, and material properties and of general laboratory chemistry and best practices.

The successful candidate will have experience in the preparation, characterisation, and reporting of archaeological or geological materials by light microscopy and spectrographic methods. They will also have previous experience in a technical position in a laboratory or significant analytical research into inorganic materials.