Technical Specialist

Department/Division

Analytical Chemistry Core Lab

Job Title

Technical Specialist

Job Purpose

• The individual serves the ACL mission to support research at KAUST and regionally by providing most advanced techniques and expertise for custom and routine chemical analysis in a user‐driven environment.
• The Technical Specialist has expertise in the analysis of inorganic properties using spectroscopic, chromatographic and photometric techniques.
• In addition, the incumbent is expected to fulfill a multitude of laboratory and university‐related tasks,

Major Accountabilities

• Work in a team of scientists to conduct both routine and custom research‐grade sample analyses for different clients.
• Provide technical support to KAUST researchers and external partners in the specific area of expertise.
• Participate in developing and implementing instrumental analytical methods in the specific area of expertise.
• Provide training to students and other KAUST researchers on instrument operations.
• Assist in writing Standard Operating Procedures for specific instruments and laboratory methods.
• Assist in sample preparation when needed.
• Develop and maintain familiarity on the operation of assigned instruments in the Organics unit.
• Keep up to date on other techniques that are available in the Organics unit.
• Ensure good laboratory practice and safety in the work area at all times.
• Ensure maintenance status and maximum uptime of instruments (plan, perform and oversee preventative and corrective maintenance, purchase consumables, etc.)
• Deliver high quality results at all times in a timely manner. Communicate problems to the supervisor
• Participate in periodic lab cleanup and maintenance
• Maintain a positive mindset, persistence and resilient nature in a multicultural environment.
• Engage in other duties as assigned by the supervisor Personal Requirements.
• Other duties as required.

Person Requirements

Competencies

• Working knowledge in a range of chromatographic, photospectrometric and spectroscopic techniques.
• such as ICP‐MS, ICP‐OES, HPLC‐ICP‐MS, TGA‐MS, TOC, IC, CHNS, etc.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain equipment following instructions by the supervisor
• General laboratory skills such as following safety procedures, neatness, taking notes, follow written methods and instructions by the supervisor.
• Basic understanding of method development and validation.
• Basic troubleshooting experience.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

Qualifications  Experience

Bachelor of Science/Engineering in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science or a related field with demonstrated relevant expertise or Master of Science/Engineering (preferred) at least 2-3 years of experience in the lab.