Technical Workshop Manager

CamWebDir; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge invites applications for a Technical Workshop Manager. You will oversee the GK Batchelor Laboratory Workshop, lead a small technical team, and drive the design, fabrication and procurement of bespoke equipment while ensuring safe, efficient operations.

You will manage day-to-day activities, champion new technologies, and help develop in-house capabilities to support diverse research projects and teaching

Qualifications

• Experience in specialist workshop technology and equipment.
• Experience with mechanical design and CAD drawings.
• Experience managing technical staff and coordinating a small team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily workshop operations and safety.
• Lead design, construction and procurement of bespoke equipment.
• Manage purchasing within project budgets.
• Supervise three technicians and coordinate activities.

Skills

Workshop management

CAD drafting

Budgeting

People management

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

Fusion 360

CAD software

Job description

# Technical Workshop ManagerUUniversity of CambridgeCB2 1TNvia University of CambridgePosted 7 Oct 2026Apply on cam.ac.uk →A position exists for a Technical Workshop Manager in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. The role holder will play a pivotal role in the organisation and operation of the GK Batchelor Laboratory and its associated Workshop.About the RoleThe Technical Workshop Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Laboratory Workshop, working closely with the GKB Laboratory Manager.Acting as the first point of contact for technical queries by research personnel for the development and/or procurement of new equipment and general support in the Laboratory, the Technical Workshop Manager will take the lead in the creative design, specification, construction and/or procurement of new (often bespoke) equipment. You will be responsible for purchasing specialist materials and equipment for the workshop in a timely manner and within the budgetary constraints of the projects. Additionally, you will ensure the adoption of new technologies, develop novel in-house capabilities, and help the laboratory to respond rapidly to emerging fields and new scientific challenges.Managerial responsibility includes coordinating and supervising a team of three technicians, to maintain the Department's experimental research and teaching activities in the Laboratory and maintain its unique world-leading reputation.About The LaboratoryThe Laboratory, providing nearly 900m2 of research space, houses diverse research with experiments ranging from the biological physics to robotics and soft matter physics and planetary scale and industrial fluid mechanics. The Laboratory houses multiple diverse scientific research groups with different research focuses and agenda, hosts a steady stream of visitors and summer students, and provides support for educational efforts. The apparatus employed ranges from microfluidic devices and microscopes to AI-assisted automated robotic systems to flow tanks of up to 12m3. In a typical year more than 50 distinct research projects are undertaken with durations ranging from eight weeks to multiple years.About YouYou will have practical experience of specialist workshop technical work, including the operation of a broad range of computer-controlled and traditional workshop machinery, hand tools and manufacturing processes. You will have experience in designing and building bespoke scientific equipment. You will have demonstrable experience of managing or coordinating a technical workshop, including planning activities, maintaining equipment and resources, and ensuring safe and efficient operations. You will have experience of line management, supervision or leadership of technical staff. It is expected that you will have experience of mechanical design and technical drawing using CAD software (e.g. Fusion 360 or equivalent). You will be educated to degree level/level 6 vocational qualification or have an equivalent level of practical experience. Alternatively, you will have a recognized and certified apprenticeship in Engineering with proven workplace experience. For further essential criteria for the position, please see the further particulars attached to the advert webpage.Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Professor Raymond E. Goldstein FRS ([e-mail])If you have any queries about the application process, please email [e-mail] closing date for applications is 27 October 2026 (Midnight UK Time).Interviews are expected to be held in person at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge.How to ApplyClick the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please complete the details on the application form, upload your CV and submit a covering letter clearly stating how your skills and experience match the criteria specified in the person profile section of the further particulars.Please also provide the contact details of two professional referees, at least one of whom should be contactable if you are invited to attend an interview.Please quote reference LE51160 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.