Teaching Lab Technician

Location: Denys Wilkinson Building

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

Oxford Physics is one of the largest and most eminent departments in Europe – pursuing forefront research alongside training the next generation of leaders in Physics.

With an academic staff of almost one hundred our activities range from fundamental particles to the furthest reaches of the universe to manipulating matter on an atomic scale. Oxford physicists are probing new ways to harness solar energy, modelling the Earth's atmosphere to predict the future climate, exploring computation on the quantum scale and executing calculations that reveal the fundamental structure of space and time.

The Oxford Physics teaching laboratory comprises areas dedicated to particular experimental aspects of physics. These broadly cover Optics, Solid State Physics, Electronics, Electrostatics and Magnetism, Atmospheric Physics, Astrophysics, Particle Physics and Biophysics. This role will support the broader laboratory by maintaining and repairing equipment, assisting with experiments, projects, outreach events, and ensuring health and safety standards are observed. We seek a versatile member of staff who will have particular responsibility, with minimal supervision, for the routine operation of one or two of the experimental areas during term time as well as broader duties and interactions with the other technicians, students, and demonstrators in the laboratory. The successful candidate will be willing and able to interact with both staff and students and to support our full range of activities.

This post is permanent and full time.

What we offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

About the role

You will be required to maintain, repair and modify the lab equipment. Prepare laboratories for setting up experiments. Purchase equipment and consumables. Advise and assist students, staff and demonstrators with apparatus and equipment. Support student projects and development of new experiments. Ensure a safe working environment.

About you

The successful applicant must have a qualification to level 6 in the National Qualification Framework (e.g. NVQ level 6/degree/graduate diploma) in engineering, physics, or similar, or relevant experience in lieu of these qualifications. Proven ability to troubleshoot and repair physics - or similar - laboratory experiments, ideally in an educational environment. Experience of the use of cryogenics in a laboratory environment. Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals. IT literacy including how to set up and diagnose basic computer problems (e.g. network issues), familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets, web-based systems (e.g. for purchasing) and email. Awareness of safe working procedures, such as risk assessments

Application process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 5^th September 2024.

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