Research Technician

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Exeter is seeking a full-time Technical Support Specialist to provide essential assistance in fieldwork and laboratory settings. The role involves managing complex equipment and offering high-level support to academic and research staff. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a technical background in relevant fields, with the ability to work independently in remote locations. Benefits include flexible working, generous leave, and sector-leading parental leave policies.

Benefits

39 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Discounts at leading retailers

On-site gyms and cycle-to-work scheme

Sector-leading parental leave

Stunning campus environments

Qualifications

• Experience providing professional technical support in a research field environment.
• Technical background in hydrology, meteorology, carbon cycle or water quality is desirable.
• Full driving licence and ability to travel to remote field sites independently.

Responsibilities

• Set up, maintain and manage field and laboratory instrumentation.
• Provide high-level technical support to researchers and students.
• Maintain resources: space, equipment and consumables.
• Support health, safety and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Technical support experience

Exceptional communication skills

Time management

Ability to work independently

Job description

Position Summary

Full-time, fixed term (15/12/2025 – 30/09/2026) covering a maternity leave; internal secondment possible with manager approval.

Essential: full driving licence and ability to travel to remote field sites independently.

Role Overview

Based in the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW). Provide technical support to academics, researchers and postgraduate students. Responsibilities include fieldwork in challenging environments, setting up and maintaining hydrological, meteorological, carbon‑cycle and water‑quality equipment, occasional laboratory work, and support with space, equipment and consumables management under the Technical Operations Manager. Also assist with health & safety and sustainability initiatives across CREWW laboratories.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, maintain and manage field and laboratory instrumentation.
• Provide high‑level technical support to researchers and students.
• Maintain resources: space, equipment and consumables.
• Support health, safety and sustainability initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience providing professional technical support in a research field environment. Exceptional communication and time‑management skills. Technical background in hydrology, meteorology, carbon cycle or water quality is desirable. Ability to work independently in remote field sites.

Organisational Context

The Technical Strategy & Operations team is part of the Research Services Division, supporting the University of Exeter’s Strategy 2030, research and impact goals, and research income targets. The role contributes to the Technical Career Pathway and supports the CREWW laboratories.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. All applicants are judged on merit alone, with a particular welcome for under‑represented groups.

Benefits

• 39 days annual leave
• Flexible working options
• Discounts at leading retailers
• On‑site gyms and cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Sector‑leading maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• Stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall

Contact

Please contact Dagmara Kolak, Technical Operations Manager, Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste: [e-mail]