Senior Technician Teaching and Research(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
Role Overview
The University of Reading is seeking a motivated and skilled Senior Technician to join the Meteorology Division. This division is part of the School of Mathematical, Physical & Computational Sciences (SMPCS) and is internationally recognized for excellence in atmospheric, oceanic, and climate research.
As part of a close-knit technical team, you will support teaching and research activities and help maintain state-of-the-art meteorological facilities, including the Reading University Atmospheric Observatory (RUAO), which has provided near-continuous meteorological measurements since 1901.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on technical work, field-based science, and teaching support, while contributing to globally relevant climate and weather research.
Key Responsibilities
- Instrument Setup & Maintenance: Install, test, and maintain meteorological instrumentation and data logging systems. Coordinate servicing and repairs with engineers and external suppliers.
- Teaching Laboratory Support: Maintain teaching labs, manage consumables, equipment, stock, and waste, and ensure smooth operation of student practicals.
- Training & Demonstration: Provide guidance and hands-on demonstrations of meteorological instruments and data logging systems to students and staff.
- Field & Outreach Support: Deliver technical support for off-campus field classes, residential fieldwork, and outreach events.
- Observations & Maintenance: Conduct daily meteorological observations on a rota basis and assist with general maintenance of RUAO grounds.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for someone who has:
HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3, or equivalent professional qualification in a mathematical, scientific, or engineering discipline, or a degree with practical experience (e.g., Physical Geography).
- Practical experience with automated field sensors, remote monitoring, and data logging systems.
- Electronics workshop experience, including Arduino or Raspberry Pi applications.
- Coding experience in Python or VBA.
- Fieldwork experience and willingness to support off-campus activities.
You should be detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team, helping students and researchers achieve their learning and research objectives.
Why Join Us
Working at Reading provides an opportunity to be part of a diverse and inclusive community, with access to world-class teaching and research facilities. Technical Services is committed to staff development and equality, aligning with:
- Health & Safety Guidance for Laboratories and Fieldwork: HSE Laboratory Safety
- Equality & Diversity in the Workplace: Workplace Equality Guidance
- Employment Rights: Your Rights at Work
- Skilled Worker Visa Guidance: UK Skilled Worker Visa
- Environmental Fieldwork Standards: Environment Agency Guidance
The University is a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and supports flexible working, job-share, and part-time arrangements.
