Graduate Assistant Technician

Job Summary – The Technical Strategy and Operations team at the University of Exeter are recruiting a Graduate Assistant Technician to join them on the Penryn Campus in Cornwall. You will support the day-to-day operations of the chemical imaging and microscopy facilities, including petrographic sample preparation. You will perform preparation of thin sections, polished mounts and other sample preparation techniques required for your area and will provide supervision and training to staff and students in these techniques. You will provide support in other areas such as mineral processing, where appropriate, to provide resilience and support the wider technical team. Along with the Technical manager, you will implement and promote safe working practices, in line with the Universities H&S policies and procedures. This role is part of the Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme is for full time hours (36.5 per week) with an immediate start date until October 2026. You will be based the Penryn Campus in Cornwall. For more information on the GBP scheme, please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/internships.   

About You – You should be a graduate who has Geology degree or equivalent and has the ability to perform and demonstrate the safe use of equipment after appropriate training, to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with students and academic staff, and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively and use your own initiative with limited supervision. You should have the ability to create and maintain accurate and detailed records, be a competent IT user, familiar with Microsoft 365, and be able to carry out technical procedures competently. You should have the ability to work in a team and independently with minimal supervision, have a proactive attitude to personal and professional development, have a willingness to undertake training and the ability to show initiative and take a proactive approach to solving problems. You should have knowledge of, or demonstrable interest in, Earth and environmental science, geology, mineral processing, or related subjects, and be familiar with health and safety requirements for a technical environment and with thin section preparation for use in microscopy. You should also have experience of working in a technical environment and in carrying out technical procedures with limited supervision.

The Benefits to You - You will have access to a wide range of benefits, rewards and recognition from the University, including a generous pension, a holiday allowance of 39 days per year, Totum Card and Salary Exchange Schemes. The University offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.   You will be offered a ‘How to Make the Most of Your Internship’ guide, bespoke mentoring, and career consultancy opportunities.

Application Closing Date: 6 November 2025

Interviews: To be confirmed

Non-Exeter Graduates can request the full job description and application form by emailing internships@exeter.ac.uk. We are not able to accept CVs, please use the Internship Application Form‌.

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer which is 'Positive About Disabled People': if you have a disability, you should mention this in your application. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

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