Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

CamWebDir; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Department of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge is seeking a part-time Research Assistant for a fixed-term 1-year contract to support data collection, analysis and interpretation using vacuum systems and inorganic chemicals. The role involves coordinating lab safety, assisting with experiments, equipment checks and maintenance, and carrying out administrative duties.

Onsite 2–3 days per week; interview-based pattern.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and organisational skills are required.
• Proactive, helpful approach to resolving issues within the lab.
• Self-motivated with effective prioritisation skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out data collection, analysis and some interpretation.
• Work with vacuum systems and inorganic chemicals in the lab.
• Lead on safety forms (COSHH, risk assessments) and prepare equipment procedures.
• Arrange weekly lab safety meetings and ensure proper chemical disposal.
• Assist with procurement, commissioning and installation of new equipment.
• Support administrative duties as directed by lab members.

Skills

Communication

Organisational skills

Prioritisation

Self-motivation

Tools

Vacuum systems

COSHH & risk assessments

Job description

# Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)UUniversity of CambridgeCB2 1TNvia University of CambridgePosted 16 Sep 2026Apply on cam.ac.uk →The Department of Materials Science is looking for an enthusiastic part-time Research Assistant to work in Professor Judith Driscoll's research group - https://driscoll.msm.cam.ac.uk/, for a fixed term 1 year contract, with the possibility of extension.The roleholder will act as a member of a research team carrying out research under the direction of the group leads to include data collection, analysis and some interpretation, using vacuum systems and inorganic chemicals. The roleholder will primarily work within the groups research lab assisting the group leads and the lab manager on experimental issues.Duties will include: -Liaison with the department's safety team on any safety matters (in collaboration with the lab manager) -Assisting the lab manager and group leads with relevant research/experiments. -Checking on working order of equipment and notifying group leads and lab manager of any problems -Leading on safety forms (e.g. COSHH, Risk Assessments) and equipment operation procedures. -Arranging weekly lab safety meetings. -Ensuring a correct chemical disposal process is followed. -Assisting on new equipment procurement, commissioning, placement and installation. -Assisting with relevant administrative duties at the direction of lab members.This role would be ideal for candidates interested in research, lab work and lab safety matters. Excellent communication and organisational skills are required, alongside a proactive, helpful approach to resolving issues within the lab. The successful candidate will be highly self-motivated, with effective prioritisation skills and the ability to deal with competing demands.Please refer to the linked Further Particulars for the full Job Description and Person Specification.Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.This role will be onsite, at the Department, for 2-3 days per week. Specific days and pattern can be discussed at interview.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.We encourage early applications, as the vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.Documents in support of applications should include a CV and research statement.Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Silvia Purro, [e-mail] quote reference LJ51070 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.