About the role
Join the cutting-edge Prototype Laboratory within the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester, where researchers and students collaborate to design and build advanced space instrumentation—particularly camera systems for space applications. We are recruiting for two Graduate Instrumentation Scientists.
As a Graduate Instrumentation Scientist, you'll play a key role in supporting the development and qualification of a Raman spectrometer, part of an exciting UK Space Agency bilateral programme in partnership with ispace. You'll provide hands-on technical support to academic staff and industry collaborators, working with specialist equipment including prototype Raman spectrometers.
Your responsibilities will include evaluating the technical performance of the spectrometer system, assisting with qualification testing and operational planning and contributing to the development of software used to control and run various components of the instrument.
About you
You're a motivated early-career scientist with a Master's degree in a relevant STEM field and a keen interest in space instrumentation. You bring hands-on experience in experimental physics and have worked in laboratory or workshop settings, ideally contributing to research linked to space missions.
Your practical skills are matched by your ability to follow procedures, evaluate technical performance, and support system testing. You're comfortable using specialist equipment and software, and you're eager to learn and grow in a collaborative research environment. Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude will help you thrive in this role, working closely with academic and industry partners on real-world space hardware.
Additional information
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Hannah Lerman on
The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people's lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you'll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community.
We're committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Vacancy terms
Full time or job share, fixed term contract until 31 March 2026