Senior Technician in Optical Manufacturing BA-R)

Senior Technician Opportunity at the Optoelectronics Research Centre: A Pathway to Impactful Innovation

The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton is actively seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Technician to join their world-leading research environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a technically adept individual to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in optoelectronics, a field with significant real-world applications across diverse sectors. If you are passionate about hands-on technical work and aspire to be at the forefront of technological innovation, this role warrants your close consideration.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

• Be at the Forefront of Innovation: You will be directly involved in the development and production of advanced optoelectronic devices for groundbreaking applications such as quantum technologies, integrated optical sensors, and laser optics. This role offers the chance to work on projects that are shaping the future of these critical fields.
• Real-World Impact: The ORC is renowned for translating research into tangible outcomes. You will play a pivotal role in scaling up manufacturing processes and collaborating with industry partners to bring new innovations to the UK's thriving photonics sector. This means your work will have a direct and measurable impact.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: You will have access to and operate sophisticated fabrication and characterisation equipment, including ultra-precision tools, advanced cleanroom instruments, and material analysis technologies. This environment is designed for technical excellence and professional growth.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Join a welcoming and collaborative team of researchers. This position offers the chance to work alongside experts in their fields and contribute to a culture that values teamwork and shared success.
• Mentorship and Development: The role includes the opportunity to train and support researchers and PhD students. This aspect of the position is invaluable for developing leadership and communication skills, offering a significant advantage for career progression.
• Diverse Project Exposure: Your responsibilities will extend to advanced laser laboratories and other university facilities, exposing you to a wide array of technical challenges and learning opportunities across various projects.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Educational and Experience Requirements: While a formal qualification equivalent to an HND, Degree, or NVQ4 is preferred, significant practical, hands-on experience in laboratory work, manufacturing, cleanroom fabrication, or optical component assembly is essential. Candidates are encouraged to highlight their relevant practical skills and achievements.
• Proactive and Detail-Oriented Approach: The nature of this role demands meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to achieving high standards in creating optical components. This is crucial for advancing both research objectives and commercial partnerships.
• Independent and Collaborative Work Style: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working autonomously while also being a strong team player. The ability to balance these aspects is key to success in this dynamic research setting.
• Fixed-Term Contract with Potential: The initial appointment is a fixed-term post until 31/07/2028, with an anticipated start date in August 2025. While fixed-term, the experience gained in such a high-profile research centre is invaluable for future career opportunities.
• Contribution to a Growing Sector: This role offers a direct contribution to the growth and development of the UK's photonics sector, providing a sense of purpose and the satisfaction of contributing to national technological advancement.

This Senior Technician position represents an exciting step for individuals looking to deepen their technical expertise, contribute to impactful research, and advance within the dynamic field of optoelectronics. If you are driven by innovation and possess the requisite practical skills, we encourage you to explore this compelling opportunity.