Research & Teaching Support Technician – Advanced Materials Laboratory at UCL

This role provides essential technical support for teaching and research in the Advanced Innovative Materials Laboratory, working closely with students, academics, researchers and industry partners. You will take a hands‑on role in preparing, mixing and casting concrete specimens (including cubes and beams), as well as setting up and operating specialist equipment used to assess hardened properties such as compressive strength, tensile behaviour and flexural performance. You will also support the design and construction of formwork and steelwork for experimental work. Alongside supporting laboratory classes and research projects, you will demonstrate equipment, assist with experimental setups, and help deliver safe and effective lab‑based teaching.

The role also involves maintaining, calibrating and repairing equipment, managing materials and logistics, and ensuring the laboratory remains well organised and fully operational. A strong focus on health and safety underpins all activities, including supporting risk assessments, safe systems of work, and proper use of PPE. This is a practical, detail‑focused role suited to someone with a strong interest in materials, testing methods and laboratory operations, who is comfortable working hands‑on in a technical environment.

The successful candidate will bring a strong technical foundation in concrete and cement science, supported by qualifications such as Stage 1 and 2 of the Institute of Concrete Technology, A‑levels in relevant science subjects, or equivalent practical experience. You will have hands‑on experience working in a concrete laboratory environment—either in higher education or industry—supporting testing, research and experimental activities. This includes experience of testing cement and concrete in both fresh and hardened states, alongside a solid understanding of relevant testing standards, methods and procedures.

You will be confident handling construction materials such as cement, concrete, timber and steel, and able to prepare mixes and operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation safely and effectively. A good working knowledge of health and safety regulations in a laboratory environment is essential. You will be able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and use your initiative to support teaching and research activities to deadline. You will also demonstrate a collaborative and proactive approach, with a commitment to high standards, continuous improvement, and inclusive ways of working.

Desirably, you will have experience supporting academic environments and working with students, as well as broader knowledge of construction materials, their properties and performance. A willingness to develop your skills, contribute ideas, and engage with equality, diversity and inclusion principles will be important.

What we offer:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave + 8 bank holiday + 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On‑site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce: people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.