Teaching Laboratory and Safety Technician (Maternity Cover)

Location: Department of Materials, Parks Road, Oxford

About the role

Join us and help shape safe, innovative science education!

Are you passionate about science, safety, and supporting others to learn in a hands-on environment? We’re looking for a Teaching Laboratory and Safety Technician to join our team at the University of Oxford’s Department of Materials.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a career in health and safety within a world-leading academic environment. You’ll play a key role in supporting the safe and effective delivery of undergraduate teaching, working alongside academics, technicians and safety professionals to create engaging and well-run laboratory experiences.

As part of the MPLS Safety Career Pathways programme, this role offers structured development, on-the-job training, and the chance to build expertise in both laboratory operations and safety practice. You’ll be part of a supportive H&S Operations Team, gaining experience that will prepare you for the next step in your career.

We welcome applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have laboratory experience, an interest in safety, and a proactive, collaborative approach, we would love to hear from you.

This is a full-time, fixed-term (maternity cover) post for 12 months. 

This role will be on-site and offers the flexibility of working remotely up to one day a week outside of term-time.

About You

You will hold a degree in a lab-based science subject and have extensive experience of working in a laboratory environment, including the safe handling of chemicals and use of typical laboratory equipment.

You will demonstrate a strong understanding of laboratory hazards and a proactive approach to maintaining safety while supporting high-quality teaching.

You will have excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, and colleagues, and contribute positively to a collaborative working environment.

You will be well organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

You will be confident in using standard IT applications, including MS Office, and able to produce clear documentation to support teaching and safety activities.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Thursday 14^th May 2026 can be considered. Interviews are scheduled to take place on Thursday 28 May 2026.

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