Senior Technician (Textiles-Knitting)

University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

Christmas closure

Purple Place discount

Job summary

The University of Manchester is seeking a Knitting Technician to provide technical and teaching support in the knitting teaching area and laboratory during maternity leave, ensuring safe operation of knitting machinery and delivery of practical classes.

You will prepare equipment, demonstrate techniques, guide students, and maintain facilities while collaborating with academic staff to support the curriculum and uphold health and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and maintaining knitting equipment and facilities
• Demonstrating knitting techniques and machinery to students
• Guiding and supporting students during practical sessions
• Providing technical advice for student projects
• Ensuring health and safety procedures are followed in the teaching laboratory

Job description

Overall Purpose

A Knitting Technician is required within the University’s teaching area and laboratory, ensuring continuity of technical and teaching support for students and academic staff during the period of absence. The role is essential to the safe and effective operation of knitting machinery, equipment and associated facilities, as well as supporting the delivery of practical classes and maintaining a high-quality learning environment.

The overall purpose of the role is to provide technical support and contribute to the delivery of classes, including preparing and maintaining equipment, demonstrating knitting techniques and machinery, guiding and supporting students during practical sessions, and providing technical advice for student projects. The postholder will also ensure that equipment and facilities are appropriately maintained and that relevant health and safety procedures are followed within the teaching laboratory.

The Knitting Technician will provide technical and teaching support within the University’s teaching area and laboratory, delivering practical classes and demonstrations in knitting. They will support students and academic staff with the use of knitting machinery, equipment and materials, assist with student projects, and ensure the teaching environment is safe, well‑organised and fit for purpose.

The role holder will use their knowledge and practical experience of knitting technologies to deliver engaging and effective practical classes, demonstrations and one-to‑one support. They will prepare equipment and materials in advance of teaching, maintain and troubleshoot knitting machinery, provide guidance on techniques and processes, and work collaboratively with academic colleagues to support the delivery of the curriculum. They will also ensure appropriate health and safety procedures are followed and that equipment is maintained to a suitable standard.

The role will ensure continuity of high‑quality technical teaching and student support during maternity leave, enabling students to develop practical, technical and creative skills with confidence. The postholder will make a direct contribution to the student learning experience by providing expertise, facilitating access to industry‑relevant equipment and techniques, and helping students successfully realise their creative and academic projects.

(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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Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Mark Chadwick Teaching Technical Specialist

Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.