Senior Building Technician

The University of Oxford has one of the largest and most successful chemistry departments in the world, and the Department of Chemistry is looking to recruit a Senior Building Technician.

About the role

As Senior Building Technician, you will support the day-to-day operation of the Chemistry estate, ensuring that facilities and support services for research and teaching run efficiently.

Reporting to the Building Manager, you will undertake a broad range of practical and technical tasks, including installation and maintenance of research equipment, maintenance and repair of building fabric, and support for mechanical, electrical and laboratory systems. You will work both independently and as part of a team, often without direct supervision, to resolve issues and maintain a safe and effective working environment.

The role involves hands-on technical work, coordinating with contractors and stakeholders, and responding to both planned maintenance and reactive issues across the estate. You will also contribute to the safe operation of the building, including responding to incidents and supporting security and alarm systems where required.

About you

You will have a recognised technical qualification (C&G, HNC, HND, NVQ3 or equivalent) in a relevant area, along with practical experience of maintenance, repair and troubleshooting in a building services or laboratory environment.

You will demonstrate strong hands-on technical skills, with experience of mechanical or electrical systems and the ability to use a wide range of tools and equipment. A good of understanding o health and safety regulations is essential.

You will be organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities, with a flexible approach to supporting a busy research environment. Strong communication skills are important, as you will liaise with academic staff, students, contractors and colleagues across the department.

Experience of working in a laboratory or research settings, and familiarity with building management systems or specialist services (e.g. gases, vacuum systems or air handling) would be beneficial.

What we offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays and 5 closure days at Christmas)
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and season ticket loans

This post is full-time (36.5 hours per week), permanent, and based in the Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford.

Application process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and a supporting statement as part of your application.

In your supporting statement, please address each of the selection criteria outlined in the job description and demonstrate how you meet these using relevant examples.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday, 14th May 2026. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of Oxford is a Silver Athena SWAN holder and the Department of Chemistry is a Silver award holder.