JOB DESCRIPTION

Vacancy Ref: N593

Job Title:

Laboratory Technician (part-time, 20%; for 1 year renewable)

Department/College:

Present Grade: 5

Department of Physics

Directly responsible to:

Prof P V E McClintock
Supervisory responsibility for: None
Other contacts
Internal:
Prof S N Fisher, Dr M Poole, other academic staff, postdocs and PhD students in the ULT group; Safety Officer;
technicians in physics mechanical and electronics workshops; liquefier technician.
External:
Purchasers and potential purchasers of isotopically pure 4He (world-wide); Prof Ken Farley (Caltech, Pasadena);
other isotopic analysis facilities as/when needed; suppliers and maintenance companies for cryogenic and high
pressure equipment; international shippers for export of isotopically pure 4He.
Major Duties:
The main duty is to maintain, run, and enhance the operation of the 4He isotopic purification plant, including
1. Establishing a set of procedures and running conditions that will enable helium gas of 3He/4He isotopic
ratio near or below 10-12 to be prepared reliably. Currently, the system sometimes operates to this
specification, but not always. It will be necessary to understand the superfluid heat flush process in detail,
as well as to examine and analyse possible sources of isotopic contamination.
2. Considering possibility of a cleaner to remove contaminants such as oil vapour and air, between the
compressor and the cylinder bank; if feasible, designing, and implementing it.
3. Running the system on a regular basis, using the procedures established under item 1, often enough to
build up a stock number of at least 6 cylinders of <10-12 gas, thereby ensuring a reliable supply of
isotopically pure 4He for our collaborators in Manchester, Florida, Tallahassee and Yale, as well for our own
use in Lancaster and for external sale.
4. Keeping the whole system in good order, including the cryostat, associated vacuum systems, gas-handling
systems, vacuum pumps, compressor, associated instrumentation and electronics. Ordering components
as needed, and arranging for the servicing of the compressor and vacuum pumps when required.
Anticipating potential problems and taking remedial action before they arise.
5. Keeping records of production runs. Arranging for isotopic analyses of the product, currently undertaken by
Prof Ken Farley at Caltech. Keeping records of the contents of cylinders (purity and pressure).
6. If the <10-12 target is arguably being exceeded, arranging for more sensitive isotopic analyses, e.g. using the
synchrotron at Argonne (which showed that one of our earlier samples was in the 10-15 range).
7. Keeping detailed records of the gas cylinders used, and their test dates. Arranging for their re-testing when
needed. Purchasing new cylinders to replace those sent to customers buying purified gas.
8. Advertising the availability of isotopically pure He-4 by e-mail, targeted on those likely to be interested,
including previous customers and recent enquirers. Where sales take place, arranging for transport of the
cylinders subject to international shipping, safety and customs regulations.