Rocks Mechanics Laboratory Advanced Technician Teaching and Research

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave + holidays

On-site parking

On-site nursery

Job summary

Durham University invites applications for a Rock Mechanics Laboratory Advanced Technician. The role supports day-to-day technical functions in teaching and research laboratories, including machining, designing mechanical components, and equipment maintenance.

The post involves health and safety monitoring, liaising with workshops and CIS/IT teams, and maintaining laboratory data records. Strong communication, lab skills, and a background in relevant engineering subjects are essential.

Qualifications

• Clear communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong digital literacy with Microsoft 365 and data tools.
• Experience or training in health & safety practices in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day technical functions in teaching laboratories and research labs.
• Aid in machining, designing and fitting mechanical components using conventional tools.
• Monitor health and safety practices in the main laboratory and sample prep room.
• Maintain laboratory databases and back-up lab PCs; liaise with workshops for parts.
• Provide basic maintenance and breakdown repairs of facilities as required.

Skills

Good oral & written communication

Digital competence

Lab safety awareness

Education

Higher education certificate (ONC) or equivalent

Five GCSEs including English & Maths

A Levels in Science & Mathematics

Tools

CAD

Solidworks

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on [e-mail]

Job Description - Rocks Mechanics Laboratory Advanced Technician Teaching and Research (26001368)

Job Description

Rocks Mechanics Laboratory Advanced Technician Teaching and Research (Job Number: 26001368)

Department of Earth Sciences

Fixed Term - Full Time

Contract Duration : 24 months

Closing Date

03-Nov-2026, 11:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement : Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here .

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page .

The Role and Department

Applications are invited for a Rock Mechanics Laboratory Advanced Technician in the Rock Mechanics Laboratory. The Rock Mechanics Laboratory is a cutting-edge facility dedicated to the analysis and testing of rock materials and their mechanical properties. This laboratory is designed to support a wide range of research and practical applications in geology and Earth sciences.

The post holder will be responsible for assisting with the day-to-day technical functions and operations in The Department of Earth Science, providing technical and engineering related assistance throughout a busy suite of teaching laboratories plus a large and diverse selection of research laboratories, thereby ensuring smooth and efficient operation throughout both areas.

The post holder will be required to provide flexible technical support as part of a technical team supporting all teaching and research activities conducted within the Department of Earth Science. Primarily supporting the operation of mechanical and electronic equipment; machining of rock samples; basic designing and fitting of mechanical components using conventional machine tools and techniques; monitoring of standard tests. They will also be required to monitor health and safety practice in the main laboratory and in the sample preparation room, and to carry out routine maintenance and undertake breakdown repairs of the experimental and sample preparation facilities as required.

The post holder will also be required to liaising with the Faculty of Science workshops during the commissioning and assembling of mechanical parts and with CIS/departmental IT team, for maintenance and development of the laboratory IT facilities (PCs, printers, digital cameras, etc.).

They will also be responsible for consumables and equipment used and to ensure stocks are maintained at an acceptable level, contribute to the implementation and maintain of good laboratory practice and perform basic management of laboratory databases (e.g. data record and storage, and back-up of laboratory PC’s).

Responsible to – The post-holder should report to the Rock Mechanics Laboratory managers Prof. Nicola De Paola and Prof. Stefan Nielsen.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here .

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.

As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification

• Good oral and written communication skills,
• Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking system, project planning.
• Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).
• Qualified to Ordinary National Certificate level (or equivalent qualification / experience) in either a science subject, mechanical or electrical and electronic engineering or have A Levels in Science and Mathematics
• Experience of working in a team and able to w ork flexibly, enthusiastically, efficiently and co-operatively with colleagues to support the teaching and research activities in the RML
• Knowledge and expertise with the application of skills to create, build and construct resources, tools and equipment to meet teaching and research outputs.Record data and information accurately and provide reports as required
• Experience of working within a laboratory environment with an understanding of the operation of general laboratory equipment, able to assist and train staff, students and visiting researchers as required, on experimental techniques for the preparation of rock samples. Full training of the post-holder in these aspects will be provided .

8. IOSH – Working safely qualification or alternative

• Qualified to Higher National Certificate level (or equivalent qualification / experience) in either a science subject, mechanical or electrical and electronic engineering.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Ability to solve problems and resolve issues, plan solutions and make pragmatic decisions.
• Experience of working with engineering drawing packages (e.g. CAD, Solidworks) and laboratory research computing software (e.g. Labview, Matlab).
• Demonstrable ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
• Ability to effectively network and exchange advice and information for development purposes.
• Experience of monitoring activities of self and others to ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to.
• Keep up to date with Health and Safety policy and procedure/legislation changes by attending relevant University training.
• Assist team members to write and carry out risk assessments, respond to potential harmful situations according to procedures, and elevate issues where required.
• Carry out first-line visual inspection and safety checks regularly and on an annual basis.
• Basic geological knowledge motivated with a willingness to expand their knowledge.

Teaching and Learning Support

• Record, monitor and collate information, analyse patterns and trends as part of research activities.
• Develop, construct and/or repair mechanical, electrical, electronic and digital equipment and tools, under the supervision of more experienced staff.
• Deliver professional technical and experimental services to postgraduates, research assistants and academic staff to support teaching, research and learning activities to meet sector and professional body standards.
• Provide demonstrations and instruction on various laboratory techniques and practices and the operation of particular equipment to others outside the team.
• Provide supervision for research activities, including students and staff.
• Ensure the smooth running of a teaching or research facility and/or a range of laboratories, workshops, studios and/or experimental facilities, maintaining facilities to a safe standard for student use.
• Apply knowledge and skills to build, adapt, construct and repair test set-ups, experimental scenarios and laboratory equipment for demonstration lectures.
• Utilise new and existing resources to deliver research objectives.
• Prepare and set-up equipment and facilities for the delivery of research activities.

Teamwork

• Act as a more knowledgeable team member without responsibility for team members.
• Contribute to collaborative decision making within the team with service provision to deliver an excellent stakeholder experience in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Collaborate with team members and academic staff to implement service alterations and plan the future development of laboratories.

Communication/Networking/Stakeholders

• Respond to stakeholder needs to deliver and shape an excellent stakeholder experience.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation and/or externally with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver a service.
• Provide guidance and advice to resolve problems and queries for a broad range of service users.
• Liaise with contacts and participate in networks and communities internally and possibly externally, contributing to effective collaborative working.
• Liaise with outside agencies, local authorities, industries, visitors, academic staff, students and colleagues across the University to ensure a smooth and efficient service.
• Assist and advise students working in research laboratories on technical aspects of their research projects.

Any other reasonable duties.

Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website .

SECONDMENT

The post is fixed term for a 2 years and 7 months period and may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager.

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on [e-mail]