Junior Physics Technician – Teaching Laboratories in London

About the Opportunity

Position overview

Department: Computing, Mathematics, Engineering & Natural Sciences (CoMENS)

Location: Northeastern University London - Portsoken (on-site)

Term: Full-Time, Permanent

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to prepare for special events, maintenance, or preparation for laboratory sessions.

Salary Range: £29,000 - £33,000 per annum, depending on experience

Benefits: The university supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, offering flexible working and parental leave opportunities, an Employee Assistance Programme as well as optional private medical insurance, season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme. Tuition fee remission is also available. Employees are automatically enrolled in the University’s pension scheme with a minimum 4% contribution. They may also join the Salary Sacrifice plan to make additional tax efficient pension contributions. The University matches 4% as standard, rising to 8% maximum for higher contributions. Employees can tailor their contributions with support from an appointed independent financial advisor.

The role: Northeastern University London offers students a cutting-edge education with an emphasis on innovation and experiential learning. Our diverse community fosters a collaborative atmosphere, preparing students for success in the global job market. We are looking for a Junior Physics Technician to support the delivery of high-quality education in our teaching laboratories.

The Junior Technician will provide comprehensive technical and laboratory support across Level 4 and Level 5 Physics and Engineering programmes. Working under the direction of the Senior Technician or Director of Technical Services, the post-holder will ensure that laboratory environments, equipment, materials, and consumables are consistently prepared, maintained, and compliant with all relevant health, safety, and quality standards. This role supports the delivery of high-quality practical education and underpins student achievement at higher education level.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Health, Safety & Compliance – Time Allocation: 30%
  • Conduct daily laboratory safety checks, including inspection of fire exits, electrical isolation points, fume extraction, and laser safety interlocks.
  • Ensure all hazardous materials (including chemicals used in demonstrations, and laser equipment) are correctly labelled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with current legislation and institutional policy.
  • Prepare, review, and maintain risk assessments for practical activities, including those involving electricity, lasers, escalating any concerns to the Senior Technician or Director of Technical Services.
  • Complete and maintain accurate equipment inventory records and waste disposal logs.
  • Respond promptly to equipment faults, spillages, incidents, or near-misses, completing relevant documentation and reporting to the appropriate person.
  • Ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) stocks are adequate, fit for purpose, and correctly used, including laser safety eyewear and electrical safety equipment; conduct routine inspections of PPE.
  • Support delivery of induction and refresher safety briefings for students and staff entering the laboratory.
  • Maintain knowledge of current electrical safety, laser safety (e.g. BS EN 60825), and, where applicable.
• Laboratory Preparation & Practical Support — Time Allocation: 30%
  • Prepare, set up, and clear down laboratory practicals for Level 4 and Level 5 Physics and Engineering sessions, including mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, waves, thermodynamics, and electronics.
  • Accurately assemble circuits, optical set-ups, and mechanical rigs to the specifications provided by Faculty.
  • Set up and calibrate analytical and measurement instruments (e.g. oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, multimeters, data-logging systems, spectrometers) prior to scheduled sessions.
  • Maintain and check lasers, and other specialist apparatus in accordance with containment and safe-use requirements and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Assist Faculty during live practical sessions, providing technical guidance to students on equipment use and experimental technique.
  • Prepare and label samples, components, and reference standards to support assessed practicals.
  • Maintain a tidy, organised, and fully stocked laboratory environment at all times.
• Equipment Maintenance & Quality Assurance — Time Allocation: 15%
  • Carry out routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of laboratory equipment in line with manufacturer guidelines and internal SOPs.
  • Maintain up-to-date calibration and maintenance logs for all instruments; coordinate annual service contracts with suppliers.
  • Identify and report equipment faults; arrange or assist with repairs to minimise disruption to teaching activities.
  • Support implementation and monitoring of quality assurance procedures within the laboratory, including periodic checks of measurement accuracy.
  • Assist in the development and review of SOPs and experimental method validation.
  • Contribute to laboratory audits as required.
• Stock Management & Procurement Support — Time Allocation: 10%
  • Monitor stock levels of electronic components, consumables, spare parts, and laboratory sundries; initiate reorder requests in a timely manner.
  • Receive, check, and correctly store deliveries of laboratory materials, including sensitive or fragile equipment.
  • Maintain accurate stock records using the departmental inventory management system.
  • Assist the Senior Technician in obtaining quotations, raising purchase orders, and liaising with approved suppliers.
  • Ensure correct disposal and documentation of expired, surplus, or hazardous stock, including electronic waste.
• Student & Academic Support — Time Allocation: 10%
  • Provide technical guidance and hands-on assistance to Level 4/5 students during supervised practicals.
  • Support the induction of new students into laboratory protocols, instrument operation, and safe working practices.
  • Assist with the preparation of student-facing resources such as laboratory handbooks, method cards, and visual safety guides.
  • Support academic staff in the development of new practical activities, including trialling experiments and providing feedback on feasibility.
  • Supervise student use of the laboratory during technician-led open-access sessions as directed.
• Administration & Record Keeping — Time Allocation: 5%
  • Maintain accurate records of laboratory usage, maintenance activities, safety checks, waste disposal, and stock movements.
  • Complete and file relevant documentation in a timely manner, ensuring records are accessible for audit purposes.
  • Contribute to the preparation of reports for Director of Technical Services, health & safety reviews, and departmental meetings.
  • Attend team meetings, training sessions, and CPD activities as required.
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

Person specification criteria

To undertake this role, the following should apply – should you not have the experience below, please do highlight where transferrable skills would assist with you undertaking the role.

• Essential
  • A relevant qualification in Physics, Engineering, or a related science subject (e.g. A-level, BTEC, HNC, or equivalent), or demonstrable equivalent practical experience.
  • Basic understanding of physics principles and laboratory practice.
  • Good practical/manual skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to follow instructions and health and safety procedures accurately.
  • Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks to deadlines.
  • Good communication skills and ability to work well with academic staff and students.
  • Willingness to undertake training and develop new technical skills.
  • Basic IT skills (e.g. email, stock records, scheduling software).
• Desirable
  • Foundation degree, HND, or equivalent in a science or engineering discipline.
  • Previous experience working in a laboratory or technical support environment, ideally in an educational setting.
  • Familiarity with common physics laboratory equipment (e.g. oscilloscopes, power supplies, optics kits, data-logging systems).
  • Basic electronics, mechanical, or workshop skills.
  • Knowledge of COSHH, risk assessment, or general laboratory safety frameworks.

Additional Information

Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be made to Matt Calladine – Director of Technical Services m.calladine@northeastern.edu. However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application process: Applications must include a full curriculum vitae, a cover letter that sets out concisely and in ways relevant to this role how the applicant meets the person specification criteria. The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. Please note this role may require a basic or enhanced DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Job sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Position Type: Research

Salary Range: £29,000 - £33,000 per annum, depending on experience

About the University: Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge, NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award winning, contemporary facilities for students and staff including state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces. Inspired by excellence, infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion, at NU London, being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders and thinkers. NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 students, our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29.

Choose NU London: As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us, and our offerings encompass: 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year). Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities. Support with private medical insurance. Eye test reimbursement. Cycle Scheme vouchers. 24/7 employee assistance/ support via our Employee Assistance Programme. Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.

Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be made to: Matt Calladine. They can be reached at the following: m.calladine@northeastern.edu. However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application process: Applications should be made by 00:00 on the job posting's end date (if applicable). Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and a full curriculum vitae. The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications. Please note all employees of Northeastern University London are required to undergo at least a basic DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

For staff’s own wellbeing, for part time roles, the expectation is if you have multiple roles, they should not exceed full time (37.5 hours per week), and for full time roles, the expectation is that this will be your only role (apart from intermittent roles). Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.