Case study: Tony Dennis

Current Role: Technical Officer in Materials at the Department of Engineering.

First Role at the University: Laboratory Technician in the Bulk Superconductivity Group

After Two Years:

• Took on more responsibility and learned to build and run specialist equipment.
• Organised the move of the group’s lab to Trumpington Street.

After Five Years:

• Promoted to a grade 6 role and became a Local Safety Officer.
• Got involved in research.
• Travelled to Saudi Arabia to support the CAMM research programme.

After Eight Years:

• Promoted to Technical Officer, a grade 7 position.
• Runs three small research facilities (SRFs).
• Became an expert on SRFs, costing equipment use.
• Involved in research and reporting results.

Tony’s Activities: Tony attends conferences and works with research groups worldwide. He has built links with organisations like Boeing and Siemens. He now splits his time between Materials and Bulk Superconductivity. He manages specialist equipment like the wide bore magnet and μCT scanner.

Personal and Professional Development: Tony drives his own development. He has completed the Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management and the IOSH managing safety course. He has taught himself much of his technical expertise due to his curiosity and desire to learn.

Tony is passionate about his role and always looks for new challenges. He champions the role of technicians at the University. Tony believes they are essential to a department’s success.