Senior Technician Teaching and Research (Meteorology Division)

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

Job summary

A prestigious UK university seeks a Senior Technician to support teaching and research in the Department of Meteorology. The role involves maintaining meteorological instruments, providing training, and managing laboratory facilities. Candidates should have a background in science or engineering with practical experience, including Python coding and automated field sensors. This position offers a permanent full-time contract based in Reading and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to HNC or professional qualification in mathematical, science, or engineering.
• Practical knowledge of automated field sensors and data logging systems.
• Experience of Python and VBA coding.

Responsibilities

• Testing and deploying meteorological instrumentation and data logging systems.
• Maintaining teaching laboratories and managing associated equipment.
• Providing training for meteorological systems.

Skills

Practical knowledge of automated field sensors

Experience of Python

Experience of VBA coding

Electronics workshop experience for Arduino applications

Fieldwork experience

Education

HNC, AS/A Level, NVQ3 or degree in a similar subject

Job description

Full time permanent contract. Closing date: 23:59 1st February 2026. Interview date: Week commencing 16th February 2026. Candidates will be given a tour of the meteorological laboratory facilities on the day of interview.

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

Technical Services is looking for a Senior Technician to join a dynamic, close-knit team of technical staff supporting teaching and research activities for the world-renowned Department of Meteorology at Reading University. This department is internationally recognized for excellence in atmospheric, oceanic, and climate science, forming part of the School of Mathematical, Physical & Computational Sciences (SMPCS).

Based at Earley Gate, your work will support cutting‑edge facilities, including the Atmospheric Observatory (RUAO)—a site that has delivered near‑continuous meteorological measurements since 1901.

Responsibilities

• Testing and deployment of meteorological instrumentation and data logging systems, including liaising with service engineers and external contacts for servicing and repairs.
• Maintaining teaching laboratories and associated equipment, consumables, housekeeping, waste management, stockkeeping and ordering.
• Providing training and demonstration of meteorological instrumentation and data logging systems.
• Providing off campus technical support for student residential field-classes, plus outreach activities.
• General maintenance shared amongst the team, of the RUAO grounds.
• Providing daily meteorological observations, as part of a staff rota.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to achievement of HNC, AS/A Level, NVQ3 or basic professional qualification in a mathematical, science or engineering subject, or a degree in a similar subject (e.g., Physical Geography) with practical experience.
• Practical knowledge of automated field sensors, remote monitoring and data logging systems.
• Electronics workshop experience for Arduino and Raspberry Pi applications.
• Experience of Python and VBA coding.
• Fieldwork experience.

Contact details for advert

Contact Name: Dr Karen Wicks
Contact Job Title: Associate Director, Technical Services (Cluster 2),
Contact Email address: [e-mail]
Alternative Contact Name: Andy Whittam
Contact Job Title: Technical Manager (TS Infrastructure Division)
Alternative Contact Email address: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.