Laboratory Engineer

Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research

The High Temperature and Materials Characterization (HTMC) Laboratory Engineer is responsible for providing high-quality technical support to the HTMC Laboratory performing a broad range of duties related to its day-to-day operations. This includes equipment management, conducting testing for external stakeholders, the training of users, and compliance with Khalifa University's (KU's) Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) regulations including the proper and safe use of equipment and materials. The HTMC Laboratory Engineer will also promote a culture of continuous improvement in the HTMC Laboratory, providing excellent levels of user services to the HTMC Laboratory stakeholders.

Operational Responsibilities

Laboratory Safety

Drive practices and metrics, which ensure that the HTMC Laboratory operates in compliance with all aspects of KU's EHS policies and procedures.

Laboratory Operations

Responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and user training of the HTMC laboratory equipment. This role includes working closely with faculty, students, researchers, and external stakeholders to provide technical support in high-temperature materials characterization experiments, data collection, and analysis. The successful candidate will also contribute to the research and educational mission of the University by enabling high-quality high-temperature materials characterization data generation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide a safe environment to use high temperature-based laboratory equipment by maintaining a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment as per KU EHS compliance requirements.
2. Receive, inspect, install, and commission new HTMC laboratory equipment for high-temperature material testing as per manufacturer specifications.
3. Conduct high-temperature based testing of material samples.
4. Calibrate and maintain HTMC laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability of test data.
5. Provide expertise, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, to KU researchers and external stakeholders for high temperature materials experiments.
6. Assist and train faculty, students, researchers, and external stakeholders in the use of HTMC laboratory equipment.
7. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to HTMC laboratory equipment operation.
8. Ensure HTMC laboratory equipment is calibrated and functioning optimally, performing routine maintenance as needed.
9. Maintain detailed records that are clear and concise for test data and experimental measurements, instrument logs, calibration, and maintenance activities.
10. Manage and schedule usage of the HTMC laboratory equipment.
11. Stay updated with the latest developments in high temperature materials characterization methods and techniques.

Resource Management

1. Assist in the determination of fiscal requirements and in the preparation of budgetary recommendations, including recommending capital equipment expenditures, ensuring appropriate resource levels, and complying with organizational expenditure requirements.
2. Supervise the inventory of commonly used laboratory supplies, maintenance parts, and any other items related to HTMC laboratory operations.
3. Evaluate technical requirements based on bids received from potential vendors for purchase of HTMC laboratory equipment.
4. Ensure information on the HTMC Laboratory website is kept up to date including all training schedules, equipment schedules, and equipment descriptions.
5. Guide the faculty, researchers, and external stakeholders on the purchase of consumables and accessories for HTMC laboratory equipment usage.

Research Services

Contribute to the continued innovation and development of the HTMC Laboratory program. Maintain liaison with faculty, researchers, and external stakeholders to solve specific HTMC laboratory operating challenges and improve technical activities.

Other

Proficiency in materials thermal and mechanical characterization concepts including thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, thermal expansion, and dynamic mechanical analyses.

Proficiency with thermal and mechanical characterization equipment such as (but not limited to):

1. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
2. Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)
3. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
4. Laser Flash Analysis (LFA).

Desired Candidate Profile

Required Qualification:

Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Science or Engineering in the field of Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field.

Strong experience, technical skills, and familiarity with laboratory equipment and instrumentation, with application to high temperature materials thermal and mechanical characterization.

Certification in laboratory equipment installation, calibration, and maintenance preferable.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and build commercial relationships in a university environment.

Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Required Experience:

A minimum of 3 - 4 years relevant experience.