Technician

The University of Southampton hosts the National Infrastructure Laboratory - N | I | L, which encompasses four major individual laboratories, supporting education and research across civil, mechanical, ship science and aerospace engineering. The laboratories facilitate mechanical and materials testing across all disciplines and materials.

The Large Structures Testing Laboratory (LSTL) comprises of a strongfloor laboratory that is 30m long, 15m wide and 7m high, and hosts a wide range of testing rigs and hydraulically powered test actuators to apply realistic loading to structures and sub-structures. It also allows data-rich structural testing, using multi-axis actuation and advanced image analysis techniques to detect system behaviour.

The Testing and Structures Research Laboratory (TSRL) is a regional and national centre for materials testing and experimental mechanics research. The laboratory contains a wide range of static, cyclic and high strain rate machines capable of testing materials across loading scales, length scales, temperature scales and strain rates. The laboratory also uses a variety of non-contact, non-destructive imaging techniques for identifying and quantifying damage and defects within structures and components (including digital image correlation and infra-red thermography), alongside some facilities for manufacturing composite components.

You are invited to join a team of technicians to support the research and teaching activities in the two laboratories. You will support the TSRL Experimental Officer and the LSTL Principal Experimental Officer to provide technical support and advice to students and researchers on designing and conducting experiments. You will also support training and induction activities on the safe use and operation of test machines and composite manufacturing techniques, as well as support with the day-to-day running of the laboratory including ordering supplies and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in established facilities in one of the largest and most successful engineering schools in the UK. You will work within the N | I | L team and support projects tackling the major challenges across infrastructure, cities, energy and transport. You will work with a diverse community of students, colleagues and industrial partners.

This technical role requires practical ability, an understanding of technical processes and an aptitude to learn new skills. An appreciation of the research and teaching environment is useful, but not imperative, as this roles has a strong emphasis on training and support. You will have experience in using specialist technical equipment within a relevant engineering environment.

The University of Southampton is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC) and is committed to supporting our technical staff. We offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development. 

There are a great range of benefits that includes a contributory pension scheme; holiday entitlement of 30 days plus 8 bank holidays and 6 additional holidays (closure days); subsidised health and fitness facilities on-site; cycle to work scheme; a range of discounts

Contact Andy Giles a.a.giles@soton.ac.uk for more details. 

Application Procedure 

You should submit your completed online application form by clicking the 'Apply' button above. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please contact Michelle (HR Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk 

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