Principal Technical Specialist – Research Facilities Transformation

Job reference: PSX-030585
Salary: £80 - £90k, per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Professional Services
Location: Hybrid Working on Campus/Remote
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Research Services
Hours Per Week: 1 FTE
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 30/01/2026
Contract Duration: 5 years
School/Directorate: Directorate of Research and Business Engagement

Shape the Future of Research at The University of Manchester

Are you a recognised technical leader with a passion for driving innovation and transformation in research infrastructure? The University of Manchester is seeking a Principal Technical Specialist to lead the delivery of an ambitious change that will modernise and integrate the University’s research and operational infrastructure, enabling a more coherent, transparent, and sustainable approach to facility management and investment.

About the Role
As Principal Technical Specialist – Research Facilities Transformation, you will provide strategic and technical leadership across all research facilities and services, embedding cultural change, ensuring sustainability, and strengthening Manchester’s reputation for technical excellence. You will play a pivotal role in modernising and integrating our world-class technical infrastructure, spanning advanced instrumentation, high-performance computing, and engineering workshops.

Working within a collaborative, matrix management framework, you will partner with researchers, Research and Business Engagement teams, IT Services, and wider Professional Services Directorates to deliver transformational change. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition into business-as-usual operations and overseeing the formal closure of the change initiative.

Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the University’s research environment and technical excellence. If you are ready to lead transformational change and shape the future of research facilities, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and help us deliver world-class research support for generations to come.

Interviews will take place in person on 12 February 2026.

What will you get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunity employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our university is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Andrew Walsh

Email: andrew.m.walsh@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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