Technical Specialist (Electronics)

Applications are sought to join the vibrant team of technicians supporting research and teaching activities throughout the School of Biology (SoB) at locations within St Andrews.

The School's three research centres comprise the Biomedical Sciences building at the North Haugh (BMS), the Centre for Biological Diversity in the centre of the town (CBD), and the Scottish Oceans Institute at the East Sands (SOI).

The School is committed to delivering globally connected research and teaching at the highest international level. The School's over-arching mission statement is to discover, develop and disseminate the knowledge to allow us to live long healthy lives in a sustainable natural environment.

Key tasks include:
Assisting researchers to: evaluate requirements; assess designs; estimate costs and timelines; integrate manufactured electronic systems; test their performance; understand their correct operation.
Contributing to the design, manufacture and test of prototype printed circuit boards.
Programming specialist electronic systems for control and data acquisition.
Collaborating with the School Technical Specialist (Mechanical) and with other Schools who may not have the same electronic service.
Diagnosing and repairing faults in both manufactured and bespoke electronic and electrical equipment. Where this is not possible, assisting in communications with external specialists.
Conducting non-routine portable appliance testing for the SoB.
When designs are developed for fieldwork applications some exposure to the fieldwork environment through trips away from site may be required.

HND or equivalent in electronic engineering, computer science or similar related subject.
Relevant experience in electronics / embedded software development and testing.
Good hands-on experience of fault finding and repairing electronic circuit boards and equipment.
Use of embedded microcontrollers and of different operating systems.
High level of personal motivation and a desire to want to learn and develop new skills.
Good verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
Motivated, independent problem-solver.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:
Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
Financial contribution to relocation
Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer
A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff/children of staff, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme