Research Laboratories Technician

The School of Physics and Astronomy (P&A) at the University of Southampton is looking to recruit a Research Laboratories Technician to support our state-of-the-art research facilities. You will be working alongside a large, skilled team of technical staff, students (undergraduate and PhD), researchers and academics. Although this is advertised as a full-time, we welcome applications from those interested in the role as a job-share, with part-time hours, or as a secondment opportunity. Due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break.

The research carried out in Physics at Southampton is varied. Our labs include work on optical systems, ultra-high vacuum, x-rays, lasers, high-pressure gasses, cryogenics, chemicals, and novel materials. Our technicians too, have a varied role. You will:

• Have knowledge of scientific chemicals and related safety processes, plus experience of implementing good laboratory practise and health and safety controls.
• Take a lead role in the planned maintenance and repair of a variety of equipment, e.g. PAT testing. This will include liaison and coordination with external suppliers and contractors - training will be provided where required.

In addition, you undertake administrative duties related to your technical responsibilities, and will be equally comfortable working individually or as part of a team.

If you have a technical support background in a science or engineering discipline, and the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to help us improve what we do, then we welcome your application. In return, we will ensure that you gain the skills and understanding required to contribute independently to research projects and become a vital part of the University.

You should have a skill level equivalent to the achievement of L4/5 of the Regulated Qualifications framework What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) e.g. HNC or above in a relevant subject, but it is important to have work experience in a relevant technical field.

The University of Southampton is a signatory of the Technician Commitment, a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC) and is committed to supporting our technical staff. We offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development. We are committed to all our technical staff, recognising the broad range of skills they have in support of education, research and enterprise activities. By joining Southampton you will be part of a bigger technical community, offering support and guidance.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is central to our ethos. We are strongly committed to diversity in both the staff and student population. We hold an Athena SWAN Silver award and Institute of Physics Project Juno Champion status. The University has a generous maternity policy*, onsite childcare facilities, and provision for paternity and carers leave. We encourage all applications regardless of ethnicity, sexuality or disability.

Other benefits include:

• Career development: we will ensure you have opportunities to enhance your skills
• We are committed to a work-life balance
• A contributory pension scheme
• 20 days holiday (rising to 24 after 4 years), 8 Bank Holidays and 6 additional University closure days
• Subsidised health and fitness facilities on-site; cycle to work scheme
• A range of discounts which include restaurants, retail outlets and entertainment.

• subject to qualifying criteria

We are open to applicants seeking a job share, part-time role or secondment

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Application Procedure

The application deadline is midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need assistance, call Recruitment on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750, or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk. Quote the advert reference on all correspondence.

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification