Technical Manager - Analytical Services

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a Technical Manager - Analytical Services (Grade 6) within the Chemistry Analytical Facility (CAF). The Chemistry Analytical Facility (CAF) delivers world-class instrumentation and specialist technical expertise to researchers within the Department of Chemistry, across the University of York, and to commercial and external academic partners. Bringing together seven complementary sub-facilities - including NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and the Micro-Analysis Service - the CAF operates as an integrated, efficient platform that offers users a streamlined, one-stop service for advanced chemical analysis and characterisation.

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction, and we have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. As a Department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel.

The Technical Manager will manage the Mass Spectrometry, Chromatography, and Elemental Analysis Services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, reliable and timely analytical data to support research, teaching and external collaborations. The role is responsible for the effective day-to-day operation of the services, maintaining high standards of quality assurance and laboratory safety.

Core responsibilities include:

- Managing the day-to-day operation of the Mass Spectrometry, Chromatography and Elemental Analysis services, ensuring delivery of high-quality, reliable and timely analytical data
- Providing specialist technical advice and guidance to service users, including academic staff, researchers and students, on appropriate analytical techniques, sample preparation, method selection and interpretation of results
- Line managing and supervising technical staff, allocating workloads and supporting performance, training and safe laboratory practice
- Maintaining quality assurance and equipment performance through effective oversight of SOPs, maintenance and calibration
- Monitoring and managing allocated budgets, income and expenditure, and service usage data to support cost recovery processes

Skills, Experience & Qualifications required:

- Undergraduate degree, or equivalent relevant experience
- Significant technical expertise in mass spectrometry and chromatography (e.g. GC, HPLC, UHPLC), with substantial experience in the operation, maintenance and optimisation of high-value analytical instrumentation within a research or multi-user environment
- Demonstrable ability to diagnose and resolve complex instrument and methodological issues independently, using well-developed analytical, problem-solving and IT skills
- In-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of relevant analytical techniques, together with a strong understanding of applicable health and safety legislation and safe laboratory practice
- Proven experience managing a technical work area, prioritising workloads to meet service demands and maintaining high standards of accuracy, reliability and timeliness
- Experience of training and advising students and staff in laboratory techniques and the use of complex instrumentation, with the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively
- Experience of preparing technical reports and documentation, contributing to equipment specification and procurement processes, and supporting the continuous improvement of technical services

This post is available at 100% FTE on an open contract. Flexible working patterns and job sharing opportunities will be considered.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive. Applications are particularly encouraged from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background. As a Disability Confident employer, a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants meeting the minimum essential criteria will be offered an interview.