Teaching Support Technician

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge is seeking a Teaching Support Technician to join a small team providing laboratory support for undergraduate practical classes and general technical support for the department. The role concentrates on preparing reagents and allocating equipment for classes during term time, setting out teaching materials, and ensuring equipment is maintained.

Outside term, you may support researchers or specific groups, with potential weekend work and overtime.

Qualifications

• Manual dexterity and precise, methodical work.
• Strong communication skills for collaboration in a multi-national team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reagents and allocate equipment for teaching classes during term.
• Set out and clear teaching materials and ensure equipment is in good working order.
• Provide general technical support to researchers outside term or to nominated groups.
• Work overtime as needed, including weekends and bank holidays, with compensation.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Communication skills

Education

A-Level in Chemistry/Biology

Job description

A Teaching Support Technician is required to join a small team to provide laboratory support for undergraduate practical classes and occasional general technical support for the wider Department.

During University term-time, the primary purpose of the role will be to assist in the preparation of reagents and equipment allocation for classes, setting out and clearing away of teaching materials and ensuring equipment is in good working order.

Outside of term, it is anticipated that the role-holder will provide either general technical support for the benefit of all researchers within the Department, or be assigned to support nominated research groups, or a combination of both, as required.

The teaching labs occasionally host external events and outreach activities which this position will help to support. The role-holder will be required to work reasonable overtime, including the occasional weekend and bank holiday, for which they will be compensated.

Typicaly, the position will be involved in preparation for laboratory practical classes for around 80-90% of the time during term, and the opposite ratio in favour of departmental technical support outside term. Working with the wider Department will allow the successful candidate to build relationships with the researchers and other support staff in Biochemistry, learn new techniques, and broaden scientific support knowledge.

The role-holder will report to the Chief Teaching Support Technician on a day to day basis. The role requires a conscientious, accurate and methodical approach with the ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines, usually under pressure. Manual dexterity and excellent communication skills are essential as is the ability to function efficiently in a small team and multi-national groups.

Candidates who have studied to A-Level or equivalent in Chemistry and/or Biology would be at a distinct advantage. While previous experience in a laboratory environment is not essential, it would be advantageous to have had previous experience in an area of service provision. Full training will be provided.

The closing date for applications is Monday 5th October 2026, though we reserve the right to close the recruitment earlier, should a suitable candidate be identified sooner.

Early applications are therefore advisable.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Interviews are scheduled to take place during the week commencing 12th October 2026.

Informal discussions are welcome; please contact Dr Katy Pitts via email: [e-mail]

For any further assistance with the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR team via email: [e-mail]

Please quote reference PH51094 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.