Junior Biomaterials Laboratory Technician

Junior Biomaterials Laboratory Technician

UCL Mechanical Engineering has been pioneering the development of engineering education, having taught the core discipline for over 170 years. UCL was home to the UK’s first ever Professor of the Mechanical Principles of Engineering, Eaton Hodgkinson, in 1847. It was also where Sir Alexander Blackie William Kennedy introduced organized laboratory practicals in university education training; a world-leading educational innovation at the time.

Today our students are taught core engineering disciplines and supervised in individual and group research projects by academics that are recognised research world‑leaders in their fields. In the latest Research Excellence Framework () over 90% of the department’s research was judged “world leading” or “internationally excellent”.

At UCL Mechanical Engineering, we develop and apply core competencies to produce world‑class research into a wider range of engineering challenges than most would imagine. Amongst many other avenues we are:

• Leading research into low carbon shipping
• Designing the greenest engines and novel sustainable fuels
• Studying the flow of red blood cells in channels thinner than a human hair
• Using ‘lighter than air’ building materials to develop the solar power stations of the future.
• Developing the most advanced brain models for dementia
• Designing propulsion systems for advanced multihull ships.

We are seeking a proactive and well‑organised individual to join our team in supporting the Biomaterials Processing Laboratory (BPL). This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong communication skills and a keen interest in developing technical expertise within a dynamic research environment. The successful candidate will receive training to grow into the role and contribute meaningfully to the lab’s operations and research activities.

In this role, you will be responsible for the day‑to‑day upkeep of the laboratory, including maintaining personal protective equipment, preparing for servicing visits, restocking consumables, and ensuring the workspace remains clean and safe. You will oversee waste management, conduct daily inspections, and ensure all risk assessments are current. A key part of your responsibilities will be to provide inductions and equipment training to new staff, students, and visitors, while ensuring compliance with departmental chemical safety policies.

You will also play a vital role in equipment maintenance and supervision. This includes mentoring new users, preparing sample materials, performing routine testing, and carrying out essential maintenance tasks such as changing gas bottles and conducting Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).

Technically, you will be expected to operate and maintain a range of equipment within the cleanroom and shared laboratories. You will develop competence in using gyratory spinning rigs and characterisation tools such as microscopy, UV-visible spectrometry, high‑speed cameras, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The role also involves supporting research projects across various teams. You will assist with experiments such as nanoparticle creation for drug delivery using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying, hydroxyapatite deposition on titanium alloys, SEM sample analysis, and learning cell culture techniques. Similar tasks may be required in other laboratories depending on their focus.

Beyond technical duties, you will contribute to the wider research community by attending group meetings, supporting publications, preparing progress reports, and helping to implement safe working practices. You may also take on responsibilities such as acting as a First Aider or Fire Marshal.

We are committed to sustainability, and you will be expected to support UCL’s environmental and social sustainability goals through your work.

We would be delighted to receive applications from individuals who are practical, motivated, and eager to contribute to a thriving research environment. Whether you’re formally qualified with five GCSEs (including English and Maths) or have gained relevant experience through hands‑on roles, what matters most is your…