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.

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

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.