Specialist Technician (Mechanical & Glassblowing)

University of Bristol - Engineering Technicians

Location: Bristol
Salary: £32,080 to £35,608 per annum, Grade: G
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closes: 16th August 2026
Job Ref: SUPP113599

The role

Are you an experienced and capable multi-skilled tool room machinist, mechanical technician, engineer, or someone with comparable experience who would relish supporting cutting edge research and support the development and learning of the scientists & engineers of tomorrow? Have you got glassblowing qualifications or skills or willing to gain this skill? If you are, we would love to hear from you.

You will provide essential specialist technical support to researchers and students including troubleshooting problems, advising on design and manufacture, and ensuring a helpful and professional mechanical engineering service is provided.

What will you be doing?

Keeping accurate records of methods and results, monitoring quality of output.
Operating, servicing, maintenance and calibration of specialist equipment.
Diagnose and rectify complex problems to find short and long-term solutions.
Sourcing and maintaining stocks of lab materials and consumables, as well as input into larger and more specialist purchases, liaising with relevant contacts and suppliers to ensure cost effectiveness.
Writing risk assessments and method statements/standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines.
Training others in specialist techniques, processes and procedures where necessary.
Respond independently using initiative and judgement to find and offer solutions.

You should apply if

The ideal candidate will:

Have detailed specialist knowledge and refined skills; demonstrate 3+ years of experience in basic engineering skills including fitting, machining, and fabrication working with a variety of materials.
Have a Glassblowing certificate or be willing to gain the qualification in the 1st year of employment.
Have the ability to learn new techniques and processes in glass and metal work.
Be able to develop strong working relationships with customers (research staff and students) to enable sensible and achievable solutions that meet research and teaching needs.
Be committed to providing a quality, high-precision and efficient service across the faculty.

For more details, please see below the link to the detailed Job Description.

Additional information

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 16th August 2026.

Interviews will be held over Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th August 2026.

For informal queries please contact: fse-technical-services@bristol.ac.uk

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Specialist Technician (Mechanical & Glassblowing)

University of Bristol

Beacon House, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QU, United Kingdom