Physics and Engineering Technician – Teaching Laboratories and Maker Space

Position Overview

Department: Computing, Mathematics, Engineering & Natural Sciences (CoMENS) Faculty

Location: Northeastern University London (on-site)

Term:

Full-Time, Permanent

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to prepare for special events, maintenance, or preparation for laboratory sessions.

Direct Reports: None

Reports to: Laboratory Manager

Benefits:

The university supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, offer flexible working and parental leave opportunities, an Employee Assistance Programme which provides free, confidential advice on both home and work concerns as well as optional private medical insurance, season ticket loans and being part of the cycle to work scheme.

Start: 1 June 2025, or by arrangement 

The role

Northeastern University London is committed to offering an innovative, hands-on educational experience that prepares students for success in the global workforce. We foster a collaborative and creative environment that encourages exploration, experimentation, and real-world problem-solving. As part of this mission, we are seeking a Physics and Engineering Technician to join our team and support the development of our state-of-the-art physics laboratory and maker space, providing essential technical assistance for student projects, prototyping, and experiential learning.

The Physics and Engineering Technician will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations and technical support of the university’s Physics laboratory and maker space. This includes ensuring the proper functioning, safety, and organisation of the space and its equipment, supporting students and faculty with their projects, and facilitating the use of tools and materials for prototyping and creation. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, experience in a variety of fabrication techniques, and a passion for fostering creativity in an educational environment. The role holder, in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager will also be responsible for overseeing the operation and technical support of the physics and engineering teaching laboratories. This includes the preparation, setup, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and materials, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and providing essential support to both faculty and students during practical sessions. The technician will also assist with troubleshooting, equipment calibration, and safety management to ensure an optimal learning environment.

Core duties will include:

• Physics laboratory and Maker space Support:
  • Oversee the operation and maintenance of makerspace tools, machinery, and equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and hand tools.
  • Assist students and faculty with project design and execution, offering technical support and guidance on tool usage, material selection, and fabrication processes.
  • Maintain and organize materials, equipment, and workstations to ensure a safe, clean, and efficient workspace.
  • Troubleshoot and repair makerspace tools and machinery as needed, ensuring that equipment is functional and safe for use.
  • Prepare and set up equipment, instruments, and materials for physics and engineering practical sessions and experiments.
  • Troubleshoot and repair laboratory equipment, ensuring all tools and instruments are in working order and calibrated accurately.
  • Ensure laboratory resources and supplies are managed, maintaining inventory levels, and ordering additional materials when needed.
  • Organise and maintain the storage of equipment and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Health and Safety:
  • Ensure all makerspace activities comply with health and safety standards, conducting risk assessments and enforcing safety protocols.
  • Provide training and guidance on the safe use of makerspace tools and equipment, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Monitor and oversee the adherence to safety procedures, ensuring that students and faculty follow best practices during their projects.
• Technical Support and Guidance:
  • Provide hands-on support for students working on individual or group projects, helping to troubleshoot technical issues and suggesting appropriate tools or techniques.
  • Assist with the design and prototyping of student projects, providing expertise in areas such as CAD design, materials selection, and fabrication methods.
  • Offer guidance and expertise on the use of digital fabrication tools, such as 3D modelling software, laser cutting software, and CNC machining programs.
  • Assist faculty during the delivery of practical and theoretical sessions by providing technical support and preparation.
  • Supervise students during practical experiments, offering guidance, answering technical questions, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
  • Support students and faculty in the proper use of laboratory equipment, offering expert advice on how to perform experiments or resolve technical challenges.
• Training and Workshops:
  • Develop and deliver training sessions and workshops for students and faculty on makerspace tools, technologies, and techniques.
  • Support and Train all physics lab and makerspace users' equipment use, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Promote the makerspace to students, encouraging creative use of the space for academic, extracurricular, and personal projects.
  • Stay updated on emerging fabrication technologies and tools to ensure the makerspace remains equipped with current industry-standard equipment.
  • Stay updated with advances in physics and engineering techniques, tools, and technologies to enhance teaching laboratory support.
• Administrative and Operational Support:
  • Maintain accurate records of equipment usage, materials inventory, consumables supplies and project logs.
  • Support the ordering and restocking of materials and supplies for the makerspace and physics lab, ensuring that necessary tools, equipment, and materials are readily available.
  • Help with the planning and coordination of events, such as open houses, workshops, and student project exhibitions, showcasing the work produced in the makerspace.
  • Carry out any other duties within the scope and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager.

About the Faculty

The recently formed Faculty of Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, and Natural Sciences (CoMENS) is undergoing significant growth at Northeastern University London. It is home to interdisciplinary undergraduate dual-degree (in UK and US) programmes and plays a major role in Northeastern University’s student mobility programmes, offering undergraduate courses in Computer Science, Data Science, Bioscience, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering, striving to inspire and equip entering students to be outstanding scientists.

Person Specification Criteria

To undertake this role, the following should apply. All criteria are considered essential unless otherwise stated. Should you not have the experience below, please do highlight where transferable skills would assist with you undertaking the role.

Key Criteria

• A Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field or substantial experience in a technical role.
• Proven experience working in a physics laboratory, makerspace, workshop, or similar hands-on environment with a range of fabrication techniques and tools.
• Strong technical skills with experience in digital fabrication tools (e.g., 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters) and software (e.g., CAD, CAM, 3D modelling).
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and fabrication techniques, including woodworking, metalworking, and electronics.
• Expertise in the maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations specific to laboratory environments.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach to working with academic staff and students.
• A proactive attitude to maintaining and improving laboratory operations and student support.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to tools and machinery.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to guide and support students and faculty in a collaborative environment.
• First Aid trained, or willingness to obtain First Aid training and certification.

Desirable:

• A Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working in an academic or educational makerspace environment.
• Familiarity with software for design, modelling, and simulation (e.g., AutoCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc.).
• Ability to deliver hands-on training or workshops to students and staff.
• Experience with electronics, microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), or robotics.
• Familiarity with the latest trends in physics and engineering research and education.
• Experience in managing or supervising laboratory faculty or students.
• Knowledge of advanced analytical or experimental equipment in physics and engineering.
• A proactive attitude toward continuous learning and keeping up with advancements in maker technologies.

About the University

Founded in 2012, Northeastern University London has established itself as a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London. Northeastern University London is part of Northeastern University’s Global Campus Network. Positioned as top ranking in the USA, Northeastern has campuses in Arlington, Boston, Charlotte, Miami, Oakland, San Jose, and Seattle in the USA, and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

After becoming part of Northeastern University’s global network in early 2019, the University has undergone a period of rapid growth, having been granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers in February 2020, and moved to a new, state-of-the-art campus in 2021.

Northeastern University London offers a vibrant, collegiate community delivering broad and academically rigorous degree programmes, designed to equip graduates with the combination of skills and knowledge that are increasingly desired by organisations, employers, and society. It offers state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces across the organisation.

Additional Information

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to Matthew Calladine, Laboratory Manager (m.calladine@northeastern.edu), however, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application Process

Applications should be made via the ‘Apply’ button above by 23:59, 05 May 2025. Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. Applications must include a full curriculum vitae, and a cover letter that sets out concisely and in ways relevant to this role how the applicant meets the person specification criteria.

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note this role may require a basic or enhanced DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and faculty and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Job sponsorship. Visa sponsorship may be available for a successful candidate for this position.