Junior Biomaterials Laboratory Technician

UCL Mechanical Engineering has been pioneering the development of engineering education, having taught the core discipline for over 170 years. Today our students are taught core engineering disciplines and supervised in individual and group research projects by academics that are recognised research world leaders in their fields. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) over 90% of the department's research was judged "world leading" or "internationally excellent".

About the role

We are seeking a proactive and well organised individual to join our team in supporting the Biomaterials Processing Laboratory (BPL). This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong communication skills and a keen interest in developing technical expertise within a dynamic research environment. The successful candidate will receive training to grow into the role and contribute meaningfully to the lab's operations and research activities.

In this role, you will be responsible for the day to day upkeep of the laboratory, including:

• Maintaining personal protective equipment
• Preparing for servicing visits
• Restocking consumables
• Ensuring the workspace remains clean and safe
• Overseeing waste management
• Conducting daily inspections
• Ensuring all risk assessments are current

A key part of your responsibilities will be to provide inductions and equipment training to new staff, students, and visitors, while ensuring compliance with departmental chemical safety policies. You will also play a vital role in equipment maintenance and supervision, including mentoring new users, preparing sample materials, performing routine testing, and carrying out essential maintenance tasks such as changing gas bottles and conducting Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).

Technically, you will be expected to operate and maintain a range of equipment within the cleanroom and shared laboratories. You will develop competence in using gyratory spinning rigs and characterisation tools such as microscopy, UV-visible spectrometry, high speed cameras, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The role also involves supporting research projects across various teams, assisting with experiments such as nanoparticle creation for drug delivery using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying, hydroxyapatite deposition on titanium alloys, SEM sample analysis, and learning cell culture techniques.

Beyond technical duties, you will contribute to the wider research community by attending group meetings, supporting publications, preparing progress reports, and helping to implement safe working practices. You may also take on responsibilities such as acting as a First Aider or Fire Marshal. We are committed to sustainability, and you will be expected to support UCL's environmental and social sustainability goals through your work.

About you

We would be delighted to receive applications from individuals who are practical, motivated, and eager to contribute to a thriving research environment. Whether you're formally qualified with five GCSEs (including English and Maths) or have gained relevant experience through hands on roles, what matters most is your enthusiasm for learning and your ability to work safely and effectively in a laboratory setting. You'll have an aptitude for practical engineering tasks, someone who enjoys making and mending things, and who approaches technical challenges with care and attention to detail. You're confident using tools and equipment, and able to demonstrate their safe use to others. Strong communication skills are essential.

You'll be comfortable working with academic staff, students, and colleagues, both individually and as part of a team. You'll be able to explain technical matters clearly, including to those without a technical background, and maintain accurate records of your work. You'll be well organised, with excellent time management skills and the ability to manage your own workload and meet deadlines. Self motivated and adaptable, you'll respond positively to changing priorities and be willing to develop new skills through ongoing training. Familiarity with a university or educational environment is desirable, as is an awareness of health and safety requirements in laboratory settings. Above all, we're looking for someone who is curious, reliable, and ready to grow within a supportive and innovative research team.

Please note that this is a Grade 5 post remunerating between £31,904 and £35,575 annually (including London Weighting Allowance).

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 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

Our 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. These include 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.