At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching and research in Physical Geography with hands-on technical assistance.
- Company: Join Newcastle University, a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, health initiatives, and a competitive salary with progression.
- Other info: Flexible team environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in geography while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; lab or workshop experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27319 - 28778 £ per year.
Salary: £27,319 with progression to £28,778 per annum.
Closing Date: 22 June 2026.
Location: Newcastle, GB.
Contract Type: Fixed Term, 12 months.
Working Pattern: Full Time.
Newcastle University offers a generous holiday package of 30 days annual leave per year, 8 bank holidays and 4 Christmas closure dates, plus the opportunity to buy more. Employees benefit from great pension schemes and health & wellbeing initiatives.
The Role
We are looking for a highly motivated Physical Geography Technician to join the Professional Services team. Reporting to the Physical Geography Facilities Manager, you will support teaching and research activities and ensure processes run safely and in accordance with quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical support for Physical Geography teaching and research activities.
- Maintain, faultfind, test, repair and calibrate field equipment and instrumentation.
- Organise equipment stores, maintain inventories and sign in/out equipment.
- Assist colleagues and students in safe use of laboratory and field equipment including the departmental vehicle.
- Support classroom and field sessions using geospatial and surveying equipment.
- Prepare equipment for fieldwork and field trips.
- Assist with research sample preparation and processing.
- Order consumables and equipment.
- Support disposal of chemical and electrical waste with School Safety Officers.
- Contribute to regular team meetings.
- Perform other duties within the scope of the grade as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience in a laboratory or workshop environment.
- Broad working knowledge of Geography technical skills, laboratory and field equipment.
- Good understanding of Health and Safety procedures in lab or field.
- Excellent teamwork.
- IT literacy, confident use of MS Office.
- Technical and problem‑solving capability.
- Good organisational skills.
- Full UK driving licence (desirable).
Attributes and Behaviour
- Good communication skills.
- Planned and structured work with attention to detail.
- Responsibility for own work, initiative to resolve problems.
- Strong customer focus and proactive technical service delivery.
- Effective collaboration with colleagues, flexibility, willingness to support team objectives.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A–C) including Mathematics and English.
- Relevant work experience in laboratory or workshop setting.
For any queries, contact the Physical Geography Facilities Manager, Bunmi Eniola.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion and supporting all staff. We hold Gold Athena Swan and Race Equality Charter Bronze awards, are Disability Confident and offer interview opportunities to disabled applicants meeting essential criteria.
Physical Geography Technician employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous holiday package, excellent pension schemes, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, staff members are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally in a vibrant academic setting. The role of Physical Geography Technician provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful research and teaching support while collaborating with a dedicated team in the heart of Newcastle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Physical Geography Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Newcastle University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with lab equipment and safety procedures, as these are key for the Physical Geography Technician role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles. This will highlight your ability to fit into the Professional Services team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Newcastle University.
We think you need these skills to ace Physical Geography Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in laboratory or workshop environments. We want to see how your skills align with the Physical Geography Technician role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your technical know-how!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting teaching and research activities. We love seeing enthusiasm, so let us know what excites you about this role at Newcastle University.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:Since teamwork is key for us, make sure to include examples of how you've collaborated effectively in past roles. Whether it’s in a lab or during fieldwork, we want to hear about your experiences working with others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Physical Geography Technician position. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of physical geography and the specific technical skills mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the types of equipment you'll be working with, as well as health and safety procedures. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key for this position, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment and support your colleagues, especially in lab or field settings.
✨Get Organised
Demonstrate your organisational skills by preparing a list of questions about the role and the team. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in how things work. Plus, it gives you a chance to clarify any doubts you might have about the responsibilities or expectations.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Think of a few scenarios where you had to troubleshoot or resolve issues in a lab or workshop setting. Be ready to share these examples during the interview, as they’ll highlight your technical capability and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for this role.
