Recruitment

Recruitment Role Profile Form (Template)Version 1.0Last amended: February 2011

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAMRecruitment Role Profile Form

Job Title: Research technician in X-ray Computed Tomography Imaging & Plant Sciences

School/Department: School of Biosciences

Salary: £22,029 - £26,274 per annum, depending on skills and experience Salary progression beyond the scale is subject to performance

Job Family and Level: Technical Services Level 3

Contract Status: 3 years

Hours of Work: Full-Time – 36 1/4 hours per week

Location: Hounsfield Facility, Sutton Bonington Campus

Reporting to: Hounsfield Facility Manager / Technical Services Manager

Purpose of the New Role: A new BBSRC/Newton Fund Project on Photosynthesis. Candidate will join lab of Professor Sacha Mooney working on X-ray Computed Tomography imaging at the Hounsfield Facility.

Main Responsibilities % time per year

1. X-ray Imaging: To undertake X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanning of plant samples, following predefined protocols, ensuring trouble-free CT operation and some basic CT maintenance. To also include use of image analysis software to undertake leaf cell measurements. To ensure appropriate health and safety standards are maintained for all work in the Hounsfield Facility.

60%

2. Plant Science: Germinating and growing plants in glasshouse. Includes responsibility for watering and glasshouse environmental controls. To undertake removal and processing of plants and soil at end of experiment. To undertake root washing and analysis as required.

30%

3. Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post which might include assisting with PhD researchers, hosting external visitors, keep equipment logs, health and safety checks etc.

10%

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential DesirableQualifications/ Education

Degree in Physics, Biology, Plant Sciences, Environmental Science or

General background in plant sciences.

other related sciences or an equivalent level of experience in the these areas

Understanding of X-ray CT and image analysis.

Skills/Training Basic laboratory skills with a high level of technical competence

Basic data recording skills

Previously undertaken research in plant sciences in particular growing plants in controlled environment conditions (glasshouses)

Experience in using an X-ray CT scanner.

Basic expertise in image analysis.Experience Must be highly computer literate (e.g.

experience of file management systems, databases, word processing)

Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently as required.

Ability to rapidly learn and understand new experimental/intellectual techniques.

Able to communicate effectively with other team members.

Experience in executing a research programme in plant particular involving growing plants in controlled environment conditions

Experience using a CT scanner especially a GE system

Experience with using 3-D visualisation packages like VGStudioMAX and AvizoFire.

Experience with handling and managing large volumes of digital data

Decision Making

i) taken independently by the role holderHave day to day responsibility for safe and success operations in the Hounsfield FacilityKeep meticulous experimental recordsWork safely and responsible with regard to School rules.

ii) taken in collaboration with others

Communicate with the other collaborators and attend meetings with them as required.Contribute to the longer term planning of work in consultation with the Hounsfield Facility Manager

iii) referred to the appropriate line manager (please name) by the role holder

Any changes to experimental protocols or data recording to be discussed with the Hounsfield Facility Manager

Additional Information

Head of School/Department(or nominee):Date completed:

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