Cleanroom Research Technician in London

The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) is a unique interdisciplinary collaboration between University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, and King’s College London. Its mission is to harness the power of nanotechnology to tackle global challenges across information technology, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. In bringing together cutting‑edge infrastructure with leading nanotechnology research activities, the Centre aims to attain the critical mass necessary to compete with the foremost international facilities. At UCL, the LCN is sited in a purpose‑built eight‑storey building in Central London, operating as a department within the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. Among its state‑of‑the‑art facilities is a 255m² Class 1000 cleanroom dedicated to nanodevice fabrication.

The LCN maintains strong links with the broader nanotechnology and commercial sectors, and is engaged in major research collaborations. As the only centre of its kind situated in the heart of a metropolis, it benefits from superb access to corporate, investment, and industrial partners. The LCN also plays a leading role in nanotechnology training, with a prominent media presence aimed at fostering transparency and awareness around this rapidly evolving field.

About the role

The post holder will provide advanced technical, operational, and safety support within the LCN cleanroom facility. The role is focused on chemicals and reagents used in the cleanroom, some activities associated with operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of wet chemical processing systems, post‑processing wafer dicing and wire‑bonding, and supporting cleanroom infrastructure.

• Serve as a technical specialist for wet chemical processing and backend fabrication equipment (wafer dicing, wafer scribing, wire‑bonding), carrying out diagnostics, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment repair activities.
• Support the safe and efficient operation of cleanroom chemicals and gas distribution infrastructure associated with laboratory systems.
• Develop, implement, and maintain chemical handling procedures, waste management processes, and safety documentation in compliance with UCL and statutory requirements.
• Deliver user training and technical support for cleanroom researchers, students, and external collaborators.
• Work collaboratively with academic staff, suppliers, service engineers, contractors, and Estates teams to support research activities and facility development.

The role requires strong practical engineering and laboratory skills, independent problem‑solving ability, and experience working within controlled or high‑specification laboratory environments. The role would particularly suit candidates with practical experience preferably in chemistry and materials processing, or mechanical systems, laboratory engineering within semiconductor cleanroom or research environments.

About you

The post holder should have a degree or HND, preferably in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Experience in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory or cleanroom equipment, particularly wet processing and vacuum‑based systems is essential. The role also requires a proven ability to independently diagnose complex technical faults in chemical handling and equipment operation, and to implement effective solutions. Additionally, experience working with hazardous chemicals, gases, and controlled laboratory environments is required.

• You should have knowledge of workshop tools (e.g., lathe, mill, and drill), or the ability to design and fabricate mechanical components using CAD software, with some exposure to 3D printing.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including the ability to train, mentor, and support users with varying levels of experience.
• You must be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organisational skills are essential, with the ability to manage complex workloads, prioritise effectively, meet deadlines consistently, and respond to operational pressures.
• A high level of accuracy is required when maintaining documentation, records, and compliance data, including data logging, process parameters, equipment logs, and incident reports.

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 holidays, 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
• Immigration 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 under‑represented 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 long‑term commitment and "beacon" status in advancing gender equality.