Graduate Instrumentation Scientist

University of Leicester School of Business; Leicester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is seeking Graduate Instrumentation Scientists to support the development of space instrumentation, particularly a Raman spectrometer. Ideal candidates have a Master’s degree in a STEM field and hands-on experience in experimental physics. The role involves evaluating technical performance, assisting with testing, and contributing to software development. This position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• Motivated early-career scientist with a Master’s degree in relevant STEM.
• Experience in laboratory or workshop settings linked to research.
• Eager to learn and grow in a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the technical performance of the Raman spectrometer system.
• Assist with qualification testing and operational planning.
• Contribute to the development of software for instrument control.

Skills

Hands-on experience in experimental physics

Use of specialist equipment

Strong communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in relevant STEM field

Tools

Raman spectrometers

Job description

Overview

Join the cutting-edge Prototype Laboratory within the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester, where researchers and students collaborate to design and build advanced space instrumentation—particularly camera systems for space applications. We are recruiting for two Graduate Instrumentation Scientists.

As a Graduate Instrumentation Scientist, you’ll play a key role in supporting the development and qualification of a Raman spectrometer, part of an exciting UK Space Agency bilateral programme in partnership with ispace. You’ll provide hands-on technical support to academic staff and industry collaborators, working with specialist equipment including prototype Raman spectrometers.

Your responsibilities will include evaluating the technical performance of the spectrometer system, assisting with qualification testing and operational planning and contributing to the development of software used to control and run various components of the instrument.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the technical performance of the Raman spectrometer system.
• Assist with qualification testing and operational planning.
• Contribute to the development of software used to control and run various components of the instrument.

About You

• You’re a motivated early-career scientist with a Master’s degree in a relevant STEM field and a keen interest in space instrumentation.
• You bring hands-on experience in experimental physics and have worked in laboratory or workshop settings, ideally contributing to research linked to space missions.
• Your practical skills include following procedures, evaluating technical performance, and supporting system testing.
• You’re comfortable using specialist equipment and software, and you’re eager to learn and grow in a collaborative research environment.
• Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude will help you thrive in this role, working closely with academic and industry partners on real-world space hardware.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Hannah Lerman on [e-mail]

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.