At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Innovation Lab by maintaining equipment and assisting students with projects.
- Company: Join UCL, a leading university at the forefront of innovation and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, a pension scheme, gym access, and more perks!
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community where your ideas can spark real change.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience with tech tools and a passion for teaching are essential.
- Other info: Diversity is valued here; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Innovation Lab Technician role at UCL.
This range is provided by UCL. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
About us
Are you someone who speaks fluent Raspberry Pi? Do you talk to robots more than humans some days? Ever bodged a circuit with whatever was on hand, and been weirdly proud of it? Then welcome – this could be your place.
At UCL East, we\’re building more than a campus. We\’re building a future. Situated in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this is UCL\’s boldest move since we were founded. We\’re disrupting boundaries, forging unexpected collaborations, and building spaces that invite experimentation. UCL East is home to thinkers, doers, coders, builders, problem-solvers – and ideally, you.
Our Innovation Laboratory sits at the centre of this storm of creativity. With cutting-edge facilities and a mission to break out of silos, we\’re creating the environment where real change begins. And we\’re proud to be based in Newham – one of the UK\’s most diverse boroughs – where that change can be driven by anyone, from anywhere.
We\’ve already opened two state-of-the-art buildings, and this is just the beginning. If you like hands-on learning, a mostly clean code, and ideas a little wild, you\’ll fit right in. Check out the video tour of the lab made by one of our students!
About the role
Not all superheroes wear lab coats.
Some wear workshop boots, carry a multimeter, and keep everything running behind the scenes.
We\’re hiring a tech all-rounder at UCL East\’s Innovation Lab.
As our Innovation Laboratory Technician, you\’ll help run one of the most exciting technical spaces at UCL, where breadboards meet 3D printers, laser cutters hum, and motion-capture rigs track data.
The Innovation Lab is a flexible, dry lab used for teaching and experimentation. You\’ll ensure it runs smoothly, providing students and staff with tools and support to bring ideas to life—from electronics and coding to CNC machining and CAD—safely, efficiently, and creatively.
You will also work in our Light Fabrication Workshop, focused on ecology, adaptive tech, and rapid prototyping. Troubleshooting, teaching, and assisting with prototypes will be part of your role, fostering an environment of creative sparks.
This role is about more than maintenance; it\’s about nurturing a space where innovation thrives.
About you
You know what Swarfega is for. You\’ve debugged code talking to salvaged sensors, bodged prototypes with tape, and built systems from scratch.
You\’re also good with people, having worked in busy labs or maker spaces where questions are constant. You can guide, support, and explain with patience and clarity.
You understand the rhythm of a teaching lab: the pre-class chaos, the calm, and the moments when things go sideways. You\’re confident managing priorities, setting up equipment, and ensuring safety while fostering creativity.
Hands-on and proactive, you’re familiar with oscilloscopes, motion trackers, CAD software, and circuit boards. You likely have a mental or physical inventory of tools and know which to use in a pinch.
Safety-conscious, organized, and unphased by last-minute requests, you enjoy helping turn ambitious ideas into reality—bright, working prototypes.
What we offer
The UCL Ways of Working support success and happiness through shared expectations. Benefits include:
- 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days\’ annual leave purchase scheme
- CARE pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for eligible posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced parental leave pay
- Employee support services
- Discounted medical insurance
More info at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London\’s Global University, we value diversity as a driver of creativity. We are committed to fair, inclusive opportunities and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, disabled people, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women in senior roles.
Learn more at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/.
We particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level.
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Design, Engineering, and Manufacturing
Industries
- Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Innovation Lab Technician employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Lab Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the tools and technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Raspberry Pi, CAD software, and 3D printers. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during an interview will show your passion and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the UCL community by attending workshops or events related to innovation and technology. This will not only expand your network but also give you insights into the culture at UCL East, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your troubleshooting skills. Think of specific examples where you've solved technical problems or helped others with their projects. This will highlight your ability to support students and staff effectively in the Innovation Lab.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by practicing how you would explain complex concepts to someone less experienced. The role requires guiding and teaching, so being able to convey information clearly will be a key asset during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Lab Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Innovation Lab Technician role. Emphasise your hands-on experience with tools, coding, and any lab or maker space work you've done.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation and creativity. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to troubleshoot and support others in a lab environment.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly list your technical skills related to electronics, CAD software, and any other relevant tools. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles or projects.
Highlight Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your interpersonal skills. The role requires guiding and supporting students and staff, so include examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated in previous settings.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Show Your Passion for Innovation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for hands-on learning and innovation during the interview. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on, especially those involving Raspberry Pi, coding, or prototyping, to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Be prepared to discuss your experience with tools and technologies relevant to the position, such as oscilloscopes, CAD software, and 3D printers. Highlight any troubleshooting experiences you've had and how you overcame challenges in a lab or maker space environment.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Since the role involves guiding and supporting students and staff, showcase your ability to communicate clearly and patiently. Share examples of how you've helped others in a busy lab setting, and how you handle questions and last-minute requests.
✨Understand the Lab Environment
Familiarise yourself with the rhythm of a teaching lab, including the pre-class chaos and the need for safety. Discuss how you prioritise tasks and ensure a safe, creative environment, as this will show that you understand the unique challenges of the role.