Technical Specialist

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites applications for a Technical Specialist based at the Electrical Engineering Building, West Cambridge, to support the LiFi Research and Development Centre (LRDC).

You will provide advanced technical guidance, operate specialist equipment, and contribute to experimental design, documentation and safety compliance within the department.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Advanced knowledge of research technical work and specialist equipment.
• Ability to operate specialist experimental equipment and use analysis software.
• Experience communicating research results to varied audiences.
• Experience implementing health and safety requirements in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored technical guidance to researchers and students to enable high-quality experiments.
• Contribute to development of new methodologies and techniques for the LRDC.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, facilities and safety systems.
• Design, execute and document complex experimental activities with researchers.
• Deliver method development, equipment construction and testing services.

Skills

Advanced laboratory techniques

Strong communication

Health and safety compliance

Training delivery

Mathematical analysis software

Education

Degree in a relevant research area

Job description

We are looking to appoint a Technical Specialist who will be based at our Electrical Engineering Building in West Cambridge to provide highly specialist technical support to enable the effective operation of the LiFi Research and Development Centre (LRDC).

Reporting to the Director of the LRDC and Titan Hub, you will be laboratory-based and the role will underpin the delivery of high-quality experimental research by providing tailored, highly specialist technical guidance and support to researchers and students. You will contribute to the development of new methodologies and techniques to support the effective use of the facility and manage day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring that facilities, equipment, safety systems and technical processes operate efficiently, reliably and in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

Working closely with academic staff, researchers and students, the role-holder will enable the successful design, execution and documentation of complex experimental activities. Providing high-level method development, equipment construction and testing services within the Department, the role contributes directly to the Department's research objectives by supporting the efficient and effective delivery of research projects.

The successful applicant will hold a degree in a relevant research area/ Level 6 vocational qualifications or possess an equivalent level of practical experience. You will need to demonstrate advanced knowledge of research technical work with the ability to operate specialist experimental equipment. You will have strong written and verbal communication skills and good knowledge of mathematical analysis software. You will have proven experience of dealing with a variety of research projects and communicating research results to a wide variety of audiences as well as experience of implementing health and safety requirements within a research environment. Previous experience of providing training to groups and individuals is also a requirement for this role.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for one year 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.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 6 September 2026.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and if you have any queries regarding either the vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office in the first instance on [e-mail] or 01223 332615

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.