Junior Physics Technician, London

Junior Physics Technician – Teaching Laboratories

Location: London, UK
Time type: Full time

Posted on: Posted Yesterday
Job requisition id: R141173

About the Opportunity 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.

Salary Range: GBP29,000 – GBP33,000 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.

Direct Reports: None
Reports to: Director of Technical Services (Teaching and Research Laboratories and Makerspaces)
Start date: 01/10/2026

Duties and Responsibilities

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Student & Academic Support – Time Allocation: 10% Provide technical guidance and hands–on assistance to Level 4/5 students during supervised practical's. 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.
6. 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

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.

Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be made to Matt Calladine – Director of Technical Services.