Technical Specialist (Hopkinson/Aero/Acoustics Laboratories)

The Hopkinson/Aero/Acoustics Laboratories are based in the Acoustics, Energy, Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery Division at the Department's central Cambridge site. The Division has grown rapidly; partly through the establishment of externally supported academic posts, and also through a significant increase in the number of contract researchers. The Division has £1.7M UEF income p.a. and has current research grants of £16.8M. Many of the research grants are in collaboration with industry.

The laboratories accommodate the experimental activities for the academic division. They support both the teaching and research activities of these groups and the laboratory facilities currently amounts to around 1200m2. The laboratory includes a number of highly sophisticated laser-based experimental facilities for investigations into combustion, a state of the art facility for IC research, and recently a rapidly growing experimentally-based activity for novel carbon nano-tube production and measurement.          

We are looking to appoint a Technical Specialist to join the existing team of technicians who will be able to engage with and support a variety of stakeholders in order to provide a high level method development, equipment construction and testing service within the Department to support the efficient and effective delivery of research projects.  You will provide cover for the Laboratory Manager during periods of absence as well as support the training of apprentices.

The successful applicant will hold a degree in a relevant research area/ Level 6 vocational qualifications or possess an equivalent level of practical experience and be able to demonstrate a high degree of competency in the use of instrumentation and equipment in a research environment. You will have specialist knowledge and skills in areas such as wind tunnels, fluids, energy and associated instrumentation, fixture design and manufacture as well as a good knowledge of analysis techniques. You will have strong written and verbal communication skills with proven experience of dealing with a variety of research projects and communicating research results to a wide variety of audiences as well as experience of implementing health and safety requirements within a research environment. Previous experience of providing training to groups and individuals is also a requirement for this role.

If you think you are the right candidate for the role, we would love to hear from you.

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

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 26 August 2026.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and if you have any queries regarding either the vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office in the first instance on hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk or 01223 332615

Please quote reference NM50634 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.

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