"Cleanroom and Laboratories Technician"

UCL - Mechanical Engineering

About us

UCL Mechanical Engineering has been pioneering engineering education for over 170 years. The department was among the first to introduce laboratory‑based practical learning, and it continues to be recognised internationally for excellence in research and teaching. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), over 90% of our research was rated “world leading” or “internationally excellent”.

Within this environment, the Biomaterials Processing Laboratory (BPL) plays a central role in advancing multidisciplinary research at the interface of materials science, bioengineering and advanced manufacturing. We are seeking a proactive, well‑organised and technically minded individual to support the BPL’s day‑to‑day operations. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop strong technical capability within an exceptional research setting. Full training will be provided, and the successful candidate will gain experience working with advanced cleanroom and laboratory processes.

About the role

You will support the smooth and safe running of the laboratory by managing consumables, maintaining PPE stocks, coordinating service visits, overseeing waste processes, carrying out inspections and ensuring that all risk assessments remain up to date. You will also provide inductions and equipment training to staff, students and visitors, and support compliance with departmental chemical safety procedures.

The role involves operating and maintaining specialist research equipment. Responsibilities include preparing samples, guiding new users, carrying out routine testing, changing gas bottles, performing Portable Appliance Testing and supporting the maintenance of cleanroom and shared laboratory instrumentation. Over time, you will gain familiarity with tools such as gyratory spinning rigs, microscopy platforms, UV–visible spectrometers, high‑speed cameras and scanning electron microscopy systems.

You will additionally support active research projects within the BPL. This may include nanoparticle production via electrohydrodynamic spraying, hydroxyapatite deposition on titanium alloys, SEM sample preparation and analysis and introductory cell culture work. Depending on project needs, similar support may be required in other laboratories. You will attend group meetings, assist with progress reporting, contribute to publications and promote safe working practices. Additional responsibilities, such as acting as a First Aider or Fire Marshal, may be taken on following training. The role also supports UCL’s wider environmental and social sustainability objectives.

About you

We welcome applications from individuals with five GCSEs including English and Maths, or equivalent practical experience. You should demonstrate an aptitude for careful, hands‑on technical work, strong communication skills, good organisation and a willingness to learn within a specialised research environment.

Further information

Please include a supporting statement with your application, using examples to illustrate how your experience aligns with the criteria. This is a Grade 5 post with a salary of £31,904–£35,575 including London Weighting Allowance.

What we offer

Alongside the opportunities this role presents, you will have access to UCL’s extensive range of staff benefits. Details are available on our Rewards and Benefits webpages.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to equality, fairness and inclusion, and to being a place where everyone feels they belong. We particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in our workforce, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people. UCL Mechanical Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our work to advance gender equality.