Mechanical Workshop Technician

Mechanical Workshop 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 appoint a Mechanical Workshop Technician.

About the role:

You will report to the Lead Mechanical Workshop Technician, who has day-to-day line management responsibility, and work with workshop colleagues in providing mechanical engineering support pertaining to the construction and maintenance of experimental equipment used within the teaching and research laboratories and support services in the Department of Chemistry. You will design, build, modify, maintain and repair items of scientific research equipment and instrumentation as required by academic researchers.

Although based in the Department of Chemistry, the post may also involve providing specialist mechanical engineering and workshop support to other University departments, where required and subject to operational priorities and available capacity. This may include collaboration on research projects and sharing technical expertise across departmental workshops.

This is a full-time (36.5 hours per week), permanent post based in the Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, South Parks Road, Oxford.

About you:

You will have experience of working with manual and CNC machine tools (including lathes and milling machines) to manufacture bespoke one-off and small-batch items to fine tolerances to be used within the department and other associated institutions. You will have a formal qualification such as a City and Guilds award, BTEC, HNC or equivalent and a recognised apprenticeship in an appropriate subject and be able to work from engineering drawings. You will also need good time management skills and have good IT skills (including email and Microsoft Office). Experience of working in a research or high precision manufacturing environment, experience of Computer-Aided Design or TIG and other welding experience would be advantageous.

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 at the University of Oxford, including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days' annual leave (including bank holidays and University closure days)
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes, including enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity/partner leave
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loans
• Opportunities for personal and professional development

Application process:

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria outlined in the job description, providing examples of your relevant skills and experience. As part of your application, you will also be asked to provide details of two referees. Please note that certificates and references should not be provided at this stage.

To apply for this role and for further details, including the job description and selection criteria, please click on the link below. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Johan Pretorius at johan.pretorius@chem.ox.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, Monday 4 January 2027, UK time. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Current University staff are encouraged to apply for this post and to familiarise themselves with the University's Internal Mobility Principles. The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.

Tagged as: Life Sciences