Senior Electron Microscope Technician (SEM/FIB/TEM) (Fixed Term)

The Wolfson Electron Microscope Suite (WEMS) is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Electron Microscope Technician to join its specialist team. WEMS is home to a comprehensive range of electron microscopes, including Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems, Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) and ancillary equipment, supporting a wide range of world class academic and industrial research. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge materials science and life sciences research while developing and maintaining advanced instrumentation.

About the role

As an integral member of the facility team, you will:

• Provide training, guidance, and day-to-day support to researchers, students, and collaborators using WEMS instruments.
• Conduct sample preparation and analysis for both internal researchers and external users, ensuring accurate and high-quality results.
• Undertake maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of advanced electron microscopes and associated laboratory facilities.
• Contribute to the operation and support of three industrial TEMs hosted within the facility, including two cryo-TEMs, enabling research across diverse scientific and industrial applications.

About you

The successful candidate will bring technical expertise and enthusiasm for working with complex scientific instrumentation. You will have:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in materials science, physics, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated practical experience with electron microscopy, ideally including SEM, FIB, and TEM techniques.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to maintain and repair high-value equipment.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with researchers and external partners.
• A strong interest in developing your skills and contributing to delivering the objectives of the facility.

What we offer

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and supportive facility at the forefront of electron microscopy research. You will work within a friendly and experienced team, gaining exposure to a wide variety of academic and industrial projects. The University of Cambridge offers excellent professional development opportunities, a generous benefits package, and a stimulating environment in which to advance your career.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

The interviews are scheduled in January 2026.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

We reserve the right to fill the position with a qualified candidate prior to the conclusion of the advertising period.

Informal enquiries can be directed to John Walmsley - jcw80@cam.ac.uk

Enquiries regarding the application process may be directed to hrmsm@msm.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference LJ47938 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Advert information