Senior Technical Specialist (Fixed Term)

University-of-Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Ongoing training and development

Inclusive working culture

Benefits and rewards package

Job summary

University of Nottingham is seeking a Senior Technical Specialist (Fixed Term) to join the School of Chemistry Workshops at University Park. The role focuses on designing, developing and maintaining bespoke research equipment to support a multidisciplinary research group.

You will collaborate with academics and researchers, use CNC machine tools, and ensure day-to-day workshop operations meet project needs while upholding health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to undertake a wide range of practical and technical engineering tasks to solve a variety of queries and issues.
• High levels of accuracy, reliability and attention to detail.
• Willingness and adaptability to learn new skills, techniques and procedures.
• Good IT skills, including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams) and AutoCAD/Fusion.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of use and maintenance of typical engineering workshop equipment.
• Minimum of an HNC in Engineering or equivalent subject, or equivalent qualifications with substantial relevant experience.
• Ability to undertake manual handling tasks safely.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with academic colleagues and researchers to design, develop, construct and maintain scientific equipment to precise tolerances.
• Work with a range of materials using conventional and CNC tools, including milling and turning.
• Design and deliver engineering solutions for research and departmental equipment.
• Provide engineering and technical support for day-to-day research needs.
• Maintain Health and Safety standards across all workshop activities.
• Support outreach and knowledge exchange activities.

Skills

Practical engineering tasks

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Interpersonal skills

Excellent communication

Manual handling awareness

Education

HNC in Engineering or equivalent

Equivalent qualifications with substantial relevant experience

Tools

AutoCAD/Fusion

MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams)

Job description

Senior Technical Specialist (Fixed Term)

Location
University Park

Salary
£35,608 to £47,389per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Closing Date
Sunday 06 September 2026

Interview Date
To be confirmed

Reference
SCI1745726X1

We are seeking a skilled precision engineer to join the School of Chemistry Workshops at the University of Nottingham. The school is supported by some of the most comprehensive analytical and technical services in the sector and works closely with industry and academic partners. This post supports a long‑established, multidisciplinary research group focused on developing more sustainable methods of chemical manufacture. The group has benefited from dedicated engineering support for over 40 years, and this role will play a key part in designing, developing and maintaining bespoke research equipment.

As a core member of the Precision Engineering Workshop Technical Team, you will:

• Collaborate with academic colleagues, post-doctoral researchers, postgraduates, and the wider technical team across all aspects of the School todesign, develop, construct and maintain scientific equipment to precise tolerances
• Work with a range of materials using conventional and CNC machine tools and techniques, including milling, turning and fitting
• Undertake projects to design and deliver engineering solutions for research and departmental equipment, including ongoing development and improvement
• Provide engineering and technical support for ensuring day‑to‑day research and operational needs are met
• Maintain Health and Safety standards throughout all aspects of your work.
• Contribute to outreach, public engagement and knowledge exchange activities
• Support the maintenance and safe operation of workshop equipment
• Provide expert advice and solutions on technical specifications to support evolving research needs.

About you

• Proven ability to undertake a wide range of practical and technical engineering tasks to solve a variety of queries and issues.
• High levels of accuracy, reliability and attention to detail
• Willingness and adaptability to learn new skills, techniques and procedures
• Good IT skills, including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams) and AutoCAD/Fusion.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of use and maintenance of typical engineering workshop equipment.
• Minimum of HNC in Engineering or equivalent subject, or Equivalent qualifications with considerable relevant experience or
  Substantial practical experience in a relevant precision engineering role
• Ability to undertake manual handling tasks safely.

What we offer

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and University closure days
• Ongoing training and professional development
• An inclusive, supportive working culture within a highly respected technical and academic environment.
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website
• Fixed term: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2028
• Hours: Full time (36.25 hours per week Monday to Friday)
• Part-time applications welcomed (minimum 29 hours per week); please state preferred hours in your application
• Job share arrangements may be considered

Further information is available in the role profile.

Please contact Richard Wilson [e-mail] if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .