Senior Teaching Laboratory Technician

About the role

Are you an experienced laboratory technician with excellent practical, engineering and computational skills? Do you enjoy designing innovative experimental equipment, solving technical challenges and helping students develop their practical scientific skills?

The Department of Physics at Imperial College London is seeking a Senior Teaching Laboratory Technician to join our friendly and highly skilled technical team. You'll play a vital role in helping to deliver an exceptional practical teaching experience, by ensuring our teaching laboratories operate safely, efficiently, and to the highest technical standards.

Our laboratories support undergraduate and Masters level teaching programmes, undergraduate research projects, Global Summer Schools and a range of outreach activities. Students have access to a diverse portfolio of experiments, many of which use research-grade instrumentation designed and built by our in-house technical team.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the development of new teaching experiments and laboratory equipment. Working alongside academic staff and fellow technicians, you'll help transform ideas into robust, innovative practical experiments that inspire the next generation of physicists. The department also provides dedicated electronic and mechanical hackspaces, equipped with modern fabrication and prototyping facilities. These spaces are available to both staff and students and are fully supported by the technical team, offering an exciting environment for innovation and collaboration.

What you would be doing

As a Senior Teaching Laboratory Technician, you will take a leading role in the design, construction, calibration, maintenance and continual improvement of a wide range of experimental equipment used throughout our teaching laboratories.

You will also:

• Lead the design, manufacture, assembly, and commissioning of bespoke experimental equipment.
• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory apparatus to ensure reliable operation.
• Work with academic staff to develop new experiments and continuously enhance existing laboratory practicals.
• Specify, evaluate and procure laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and components from external suppliers.
• Manage laboratory equipment, consumables, and technical stock to ensure teaching activities run smoothly.
• Provide expert technical support and advice to academic staff, demonstrators and students during laboratory sessions.
• Support undergraduate research projects by advising students and project supervisors on experimental design, equipment selection, and practical techniques.
• Help maintain safe working practices and ensure laboratory equipment complies with relevant health and safety requirements.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the teaching laboratories by identifying opportunities to improve facilities, equipment and working practices.
• Mentor and support junior technicians, student assistants, and placement students where appropriate, sharing technical knowledge and promoting best practice.

What we are looking for

We're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced technician who enjoys working in a collaborative environment and is passionate about enabling world-class practical teaching.

You will have:

• An Higher National Certificate (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline, or substantial equivalent practical experience in a laboratory or engineering environment.
• A strong scientific or engineering background with the ability to understand complex experimental systems.
• Excellent practical engineering skills with experience of mechanical and electronic assembly, testing, and fault finding.
• Experience using modern prototyping and fabrication equipment, such as machine tools, 3D printers, laser cutters, or PCB prototyping equipment.
• Strong knowledge of computer hardware, software, and programming. Experience with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, CAD software, or embedded systems would be advantageous.
• Experience selecting, specifying, and procuring technical equipment and components.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the confidence to work effectively with students, academic staff and colleagues.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and innovation.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to work with cutting-edge scientific equipment while designing and building innovative teaching experiments.
• Access to excellent learning, training and professional development opportunities.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

We are looking to appoint as soon as possible.

For further information about the position contact:

Graham Axtell, Teaching Laboratories Manager, g.axtell@imperial.ac.uk

Robert Whisker, Senior Laboratory Technician & Laboratory Administrator, r.whisker@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process contact Physics Knowledge Hub, physicsconnect@imperial.ac.uk

If you experience any technical issues with your online application, contact the Imperial Recruitment Hub team - support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk

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The Department of Physics is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and thriving community. We value the strength that comes from diverse perspectives, and we warmly welcome applications from talented people of all backgrounds to join our vibrant community supported by initiatives that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.

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