Assistant Technician

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Reading invites applications for an Assistant Technician to support receipt and delivery of goods, stock control, and maintenance activities within our technical services. Based in Reading, this full-time role offers training and opportunities within a collaborative team supporting teaching and research facilities.

You will work with staff and students, follow safety procedures, and develop skills across equipment and inventories.

Qualifications

• Experience in a customer-facing or technical environment would be advantageous.
• Experience working as part of a team.
• Experience handling equipment, stock or materials would be beneficial.
• Willingness to develop skills through training.
• Previous experience in a technical support or laboratory environment welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Assist with receipt, storage and distribution of goods.
• Support stock control and maintain records.
• Help monitor and maintain specialist equipment and facilities.
• Assist with equipment inventory checks and basic maintenance.
• Safely move and relocate equipment and materials.
• Work with colleagues to provide high-quality support to staff and students.
• Follow health and safety procedures to maintain a safe environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent worker

Organisational skills

IT literacy

Willingness to learn

Health and safety

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

The Further Particulars for each job are in PDF format, which can be read by Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader. To download a free version of Acrobat Reader, please click on the link below:

Job details

Salary Grade 3£24,685 per annum

Contractual hours 36

Basis Full time

Region South

Job category/type Academic and Administrative Support, Technical

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on 31 st Aug 2026

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) must already have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this independently of University sponsorship. Further information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

We are seeking to appoint an Assistant Technician to support the receipt and delivery of goods, maintenance activities within specialist areas, stock control, and record keeping for supplies and materials, including laboratory coats, liquid nitrogen, glassware, biologicals and chemicals, in support of teaching and research activities. Full Health and Safety training will be provided. The post holder will support defined activities within Operations and across Technical Services.

About the role

Working within a friendly and supportive team, you will help maintain high standards of organisation, safety and customer service. Full training will be provided on specialist equipment, procedures and health and safety requirements, making this an excellent opportunity to develop a career in technical support.

You will:

• Assist with the receipt, storage and distribution of goods and supplies.
• Support stock control and maintain accurate records.
• Help monitor and maintain specialist equipment and facilities.
• Assist with equipment inventory checks and basic maintenance activities.
• Safely move and relocate equipment and materials as required.
• Work closely with colleagues to provide high-quality support to staff and students.
• Follow University health and safety procedures and contribute to a safe working environment.

About you

You will be practical, organised and reliable, with a positive attitude towards learning new skills and working as part of a team. You will enjoy a varied role, be comfortable following procedures and instructions, and take pride in delivering an efficient and helpful service.

You will have:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A methodical approach to organising and prioritising work.
• Good basic IT skills.
• A willingness to learn and undertake training.
• An awareness of workplace health and safety requirements.
• The ability to carry out manual handling activities safely.

Qualifications and experience

• Experience in a customer-facing, technical, stores, warehouse, laboratory, facilities or similar environment would be advantageous.
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Experience handling equipment, stock, supplies or materials would be beneficial, but is not essential.
• A willingness to develop skills and knowledge through training.
• Previous experience in a technical support or laboratory environment would be welcomed but is not required, as full training will be provided.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative and professional Technical Services team supporting teaching and research facilities. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills, contribute to service improvements, and play a key role in maintaining safe, efficient and high-quality environments.

Contact Job Title: Associate Director of Operations

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.