Job Details
Section
Photonic Systems Circuits & Sensors Group
Location:
Highfield Campus
Salary
£36,130 to £44,128 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 31/07/2028
Closing Date:
Tuesday 14 October 2025
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
3163825BA-R
Join Our Team – Senior Technician Opportunity at the Optoelectronics Research Centre
We are excited to invite applications for a Senior Technician to support our welcoming and collaborative team of world-leading researchers at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), University of Southampton. With over 300 staff and students, the ORC is an internationally recognised hub for cutting-edge research, delivering real-world impact across manufacturing, communication technologies, augmented reality, healthcare, renewable energy, and environmental solutions.
About the Role
As a valued member of our team, you will play a key role in the development and production of advanced optoelectronic devices for applications such as quantum technologies, integrated optical sensors, and laser optics. You'll be supporting a wide range of fabrication and characterisation activities, working side-by-side with researchers on academic and industrial projects that aim to scale up manufacturing processes for wider adoption. A core part of this role will involve close collaboration with industry to help translate our research into tangible innovations for the UK's growing photonics sector.
Your Responsibilities
You will be responsible for operating and maintaining state-of-the-art fabrication and characterisation equipment, including ultra-precision tools, polishing systems, cleanroom instruments, and material analysis tools. You'll also have opportunities to contribute in our advanced laser laboratories and other university facilities. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence will help us create high-performance optical components that advance both our research goals and commercial partnerships.
Who We're Looking For
We welcome candidates from a variety of technical backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from individuals with a qualification equivalent to an HND, Degree, NVQ4, or similar, combined with relevant experience. Practical, hands-on experience in any of the following areas is essential: laboratory work, manufacturing, cleanroom fabrication, or the assembly of optical components and systems.
We're looking for someone who enjoys working both independently and collaboratively, and who values contributing to a supportive team environment. In this role, you'll also help train and support researchers and PhD students, so strong communication and mentoring skills will be a plus.
The initial appointment is based on a fixed term post until 31/07/2028, ideally starting in August 2025.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Prof James Gates
Working at the University of Southampton:
Check out the staff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.
The University is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC). We are committed to supporting our technical staff and offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development. We really value all our technical staff and recognise the broad range of skills they have in support of education, research and enterprise activities. By joining you will be part of a bigger technical community, offering support and guidance.
Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on or quoting the job number.