Research Support TechnicianUniversity

Research Support Technician

Job number

ENG04064

Faculties

Faculty of Engineering

Departments

Department of Chemical Engineering

Salary or Salary range

£42,505 - £47,213 per annum

Location/campus

South Kensington Campus - On site only

Contract type work pattern

Full time - Open ended

Posting End Date

1 Nov 2026

About the role

Are you excited by the challenge of furthering your career supporting world-class research in a leading Chemical Engineering department? As a member of our research support team, you will support the effective operation and development of the Department’s research laboratories and facilities. Working under the direction of the Research Support Manager, you will provide technical, operational and safety support to ensure that research activities are conducted efficiently and safely.

What you would be doing

You will provide operational support for departmental research laboratories and shared research facilities, working with researchers and PIs to specify, procure, install, and maintain fixed research infrastructure and equipment. You will support the setup and commissioning of new research equipment and spaces, and maintain up-to-date records of laboratory equipment, calibration schedules, and maintenance logs. You may also be responsible for maintenance and operation of shared research facilities.

As an RST, you will take an active role in the day-to-day laboratory safety management, including advising researchers on laboratory safety procedures and controls. You will review and approve risk assessments in consultation with the Research Support Manager (RSM), deliver safety inductions and training for researchers and students, and assist the RSM in preparing and updating safety briefing and training material. You will ensure that safety infrastructure within laboratories is maintained, calibrated and tested, and assist with chemical storage. Additionally, you will participate in laboratory safety inspections.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Department and University to ensure efficient operation of the laboratories. This will include providing technical advice and guidance to researchers and students as appropriate and contributing to the continuous improvement of laboratory processes and services.

What we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced research laboratory technician with a grounding in chemical engineering and a solid health and safety background. You will have:

A degree, BTEC/HNC, recognised apprenticeship or equivalent experience in chemical engineering or a related field

A health and safety qualification such as IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate

Specific knowledge and experience in one or more of the following key areas:

Analytical techniques and spectroscopy

Bioscience

High-pressure facilities

Experience supporting laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, or technical services

Experience of contributing to safety management, including preparation of risk assessments

Knowledge of laboratory practices, research infrastructure, and relevant safety standards

Understanding of health and safety regulations, including relevant risk assessment, fire safety, and manual handling

We are looking for someone with the following key skills:

Proficiency in using laboratory management systems and standard administrative software (e.g. MS Office, databases, or equivalent tools)

Strong organisational and problem-solving skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff and students

Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise workload effectively

Commitment to maintain high standards of safety, quality, and service

What we can offer you

The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity

Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes)

Access to a range of workplace benefits, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel

Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing

Further information

Our mission is to deliver world-leading research, education, enterprise, leadership and inspiration in chemical engineering, locally, nationally and globally. Our department is consistently ranked within the top 10 in chemical engineering globally and the top 3 in Europe. We have 45 academic staff, 60 teaching, professional and technical staff and about 120 postdoctoral researchers. The Department offers a four-year MEng degree programme in chemical engineering, attracting about 150 entrants each year, a one-year MSc course with an intake of about 120 and we have some 200 PhD students.

This is a full-time, open-ended post. This post is on site only (5 days on campus).

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

[email protected]

To apply, please click the “Apply” button at the top of the page. You will find this vacancy by searching either the position title or job number: ENG04064. Candidates will need to complete an online application.

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

Closing date: 1st November 2026, 23:59:59 (GMT).

Interviews: week commencing 30 November 2026.

£42,505 to £47,213 per annum