Teaching Laboratory Technician –Optics

Oxford Physics is one of the largest and most eminent departments in Europe – pursuing forefront research alongside training the next generation of leaders in Physics.

 

The Oxford Physics teaching laboratories broadly cover General Physics (Mechanics), Optics, Solid State Physics, Electronics, Electrostatics and Magnetism, Atmospheric Physics, Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics and Biophysics. As part of the degree course, we teach hands-on science to around 540 students across three years, with students moving between laboratories each term. We build and upgrade experiments between terms to keep the course relevant to our goal of training the next generation of leading scientists.

 

We seek a versatile member of staff who will have particular responsibility, with minimal supervision, for the routine operation of one or two of the experimental areas during term time including maintaining and repairing equipment, assisting with experiments, projects, outreach events, and ensuring health and safety standards are observed. The role will also include broader duties and interactions with the other technicians, students, and demonstrators in the laboratory.

 

The succesful applicant must have a qualification to level 6 in the National Qualification Framework (e.g. NVQ level 6/ degree/graduate diploma) in engineering, physics, or similar, or relevant experience in lieu of these qualifications. Proven ability to troubleshoot and repair physics - or similar - laboratory experiments, ideally in an educational environment is essential, as well as proven levels of software literacy including familiarity with interfacing hardware to computers. Experience of scientific programming packages, e.g. Python or MATLAB would be desirable.

 

This temporary role will specifically be based in our Optics and Electromagnetism laboratories. The successful candidate will be required to assist with a relocation of those teaching labs to a new location during the summer of 2026

This is a full-time post, fixed term until 31 December 2027 

 

The closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description.

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