Senior Technician (Textile Testing)

Diversity Dashboard; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contribution

Christmas closure

Purple Place discount

Job summary

The University of Manchester is seeking a technician to provide reliable textile testing support for teaching, learning and research. The role ensures tests are carried out accurately and consistently to deliver trustworthy data on textile materials and products.

You will prepare and conduct textile tests, operate lab equipment, record results and assist staff and students in using facilities safely. The role contributes to high‑quality education and innovative textile research.

Job description

Overall Purpose

The role exists to provide reliable, accurate and meaningful textile testing results that support teaching, learning and research within the University. The role holder ensures that tests are carried out correctly and consistently, so that the results can be trusted and used to understand the performance, properties and behaviour of textile materials and products.

The results generated by the laboratory provide valuable practical evidence for students, academic staff and researchers. They enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real materials, support research and development, and provide objective data to inform academic and technical decision-making.
The role therefore makes a direct contribution to the quality of the University's teaching and research by ensuring that testing is undertaken to an appropriate standard and that the resulting data is accurate, reproducible and useful.

The role holder will provide technical support within the textiles testing laboratory, enabling high-quality teaching, They will prepare and carry out a range of textile material and product tests, operate and maintain specialist laboratory equipment, prepare samples and record and interpret test results. They will support academic staff and students in the safe and effective use of laboratory facilities and contribute to the day-to-day organisation and operation of the laboratory.

The role holder will work to established laboratory procedures, relevant testing standards and University health and safety requirements. They will apply their technical knowledge and practical experience to ensure testing is accurate, reliable and repeatable. They will work collaboratively with academic colleagues, technical staff, students and researchers, providing guidance and practical support where required. They will maintain accurate records, undertake routine equipment checks and support the maintenance and development of laboratory facilities and testing methods.

The role holder will provide a safe, well-organised and effective textiles testing environment that supports excellent student learning and research. They will enable students to develop practical and technical skills, while providing researchers and academic colleagues with reliable testing and technical expertise. The role offers an opportunity to make a direct contribution to the student experience, the quality of teaching and the success of innovative textiles research, while helping to maintain and develop the University's specialist laboratory capabilities.

(Grades 1-5)

• Generous employer pension contribution


• Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays


• Purple Place employee discount platform

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits . You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here .

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