Technician Teaching & Research (GES Teaching Laboratory)

The University of Reading is hiring a Technician for the GES Teaching Laboratory, focusing on laboratory support for teaching in Archaeology, Geography, and Environmental Science. Responsibilities include maintaining teaching labs, supporting student projects, and managing equipment. Applicants should have relevant qualifications and technical experience. The role is based in Reading, UK, and requires in-person presence, as it involves daily interactions with researchers and lab operations.
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Closing Date - 11:59 on 4 May 2025

Interview Date - w/c 19 May 2025

Technical Services is seeking to appoint a Technician to support laboratory-based teaching practicals for the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science (SAGES). For prospective candidates with a background in the physical earth, environmental or archaeological sciences, this post offers an exciting opportunity to join the University of Reading that currently ranks No. 1 in the UK for research quality in Archaeology (REF 2021) and very highly rated for Earth Systems and Environmental Science. As a member of a small technical team, you will maintain daily interactions with researchers addressing global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and historical human impacts. You will work closely with senior technicians within your team to help with the daily operations of analytical laboratory facilities, which include instruments such as ICP-OES, GCs, MP-AES, Elemental Analysers, Spectrophotometers, and Ion Chromatography.

You will be responsible for the upkeep of a large teaching laboratory used for teaching practicals for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students, along with providing support for project dissertation student labwork. Other duties include ordering equipment and consumables, processing of soil and water samples, plants, seeds and soil microorganism cultures used for teaching, set-up / set down and demonstrating for teaching practicals and maintaining portable field testing devices used for field-classes. You may occasionally be required to support other technical divisions operating across multiple buildings on the main University campus, including Earley Gate. Training will be provided in specialist techniques and use of equipment, where required.     

You will have:
• HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3 in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Geography or related subjects; a degree in a similar subject with more limited practical experience.
• Technical experience of working in specialist areas, ideally in laboratories used for teaching, research or commercial purposes. 
Candidates should refer to the Essential Criteria listed in the Person Specification linked to this advert, when preparing their supporting statements.

We in Technical Services are committed to the development of our staff and we actively strive to diversify our team. We are a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment and an Employer Champion. We are dedicated to providing all applicants equality of opportunity. You can find out about our inclusive approach on our EDITS page Diversity and Inclusion (reading.ac.uk)

Contact details
Contact Name: Dr Karen Wicks
Contact Job Title: Associate Director (Technical Services, Cluster 2)
Contact Email address: k.wicks@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name: Dr George Gibbings
Alternative Contact Job Title: Technical Manager (Technical Services, Analytical Division)
Alternative Contact Email address: j.g.gibbings@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.