Materials Lab Technician

Company DescriptionQuantum Base Limited (QBL) is a quantum security technology business co-founded ten years ago by Professor Rob Young who is the Chief Scientific Officer. QBL uses cutting-edge quantum technologies to create patented secure authentication solutions for global products and online security markets; see www.quantumbase.com for more information. Our research has benefitted from the support of The Royal Society and the US Air Force, amongst others, and has been published in high-profile journals such as Nature.QBL is an SME that span-out from Lancaster University in 2013. We are developing a range of security solutions underpinned by simple quantum technologies including unclonable physical identification, devices to secure communications, prevent counterfeiting and generate random numbers. We employ cutting-edge molecular systems, combined with standard mass-manufacturing processes, to realise practical systems that are minute, low-cost and have a small power footprint. We believe that our technology will define a new generation of security systems. QBL’s main office is located at Lancaster University, alongside its GCHQ-backed Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security. This provides us with access to its testbed facilities for implementing new security devices in a controlled environment, which is essential for rapidly scaling technologies. Through our collaborations with large industry-shaping partners and private financing, QBL has grown significantly. We currently support a research team with 15 members and hold 13 granted patents with many more in different stages of examination.Role DescriptionReporting to QBL’s leadership team via the Director of Engineering, you will play a significant role in ensuring the delivery of commercial materials research and development. You will support the development and implementation of materials solutions for optical security products using a combination of QBL bespoke organic and organometallic materials, 2D materials, quantum dots, metallic nanoparticles, and commercially relevant solvents, inks and lacquers, and QBL bespoke materials analysis. You will design, execute, and analyse material solutions development in line with agreed milestones and deliverables.The role will have a mixture of material testing and analysis, and development of test methodologies and product technologies. You will exert influence over the materials development process, and as such, you will need to be able to effectively troubleshoot activities, understand issues quickly and implement resolutions to enable developments promptly.Key Responsibilities include:Contribute to experimental design, execution, interpretation, and data analysis of customer-focused materials projects. In collaboration with technical colleagues from other QBL teams, reach sound technical conclusions based on fundamental scientific principles and propose future project work.Efficiently support R&D trials, conducting assessment of materials and/or manufacturing processes including analysis, conclusions, and improvements and providing agility for business value & trial success.Supporting customer trials, on the customer site where necessary, including planning and delivery of all material related requirements.Maintain an inventory of consumables (chemicals, solvent, substrates, PPE and other essential consumable items etc), purchasing from approved suppliers.Be responsible for ensuring all research laboratory activities are supported by risk assessments, safe systems of work, COSHH assessments, and other necessary compliance procedures, ensuring reviews are performed on a regular schedule.Ensure the research laboratory and equipment are maintained to the correct standard, by performing routine audits of laboratory forms and verifying calibration (including preventative maintenance schedule).To regularly engage with internal stakeholders including software development, commercial and sales, project managers and directors, on project data, laboratory progress and outline risks, issues, and limitations as soon as possible to maintain good relationships.Write and review scientific project, scopes of work and laboratory reports on data, statistical analysis, conclusions based on scientific principles and literature and present clear and concise strategies for future work as directed.About you:Fundamental understanding of materials science (molecular, polymer, 2D materials or nanoparticles/quantum dots) including materials handling, deposition and disposal and laboratory testing methods for material evaluation.Experience in laboratory best practices such as writing standard operating procedures, method work instructions and risk assessments.Highly competent with Health & Safety practises and procedures including supporting risk assessments, safe systems of work & COSHH assessments within an R&D scientific role (ideally working with chemicals, solvents, inks etc).Demonstrate experience in conducting experiments, data analysis, conclusions and new product development / research and development.Experience with industrial print processes (including flexographic, lithographic and inkjet) would be advantageous.Experience working collaboratively as part of a highly skilled cross-functional team, including world class physicists and engineers.Have experience establishing new processes and implementing new systems of work.Have experience working with and establishing best practice quality control systems.Have experience producing reports and presenting results to internal and external stakeholders.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong organisational skills to plan, prioritise and execute duties.Qualifications and experience:Postgraduate qualification including integrated-masters (MChem, MPhys, MSci etc) or higher or equivalent industry experience.Ability to commute/relocate:Lancaster: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required). QBL will support relocation where necessary.Language:•
English (required)