University of Bristol
Specialist Technician (Mechanical & Glassblowing)
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The Role
Are you an experienced and capable multi-skilled tool room machinist, mechanical technician, engineer, or someone with comparable experience who would relish supporting cutting-edge research and support the development and learning of the scientists & engineers of tomorrow? Have you got glassblowing qualifications or skills or willing to gain this skill? If you are, we would love to hear from you.
You will provide essential specialist technical support to researchers and students including troubleshooting problems, advising on design and manufacture, and ensuring a helpful and professional mechanical engineering service is provided.
What Will You Be Doing?
- Keeping accurate records of methods and results, monitoring quality of output.
- Operating, servicing, maintenance, and calibration of specialist equipment.
- Diagnose and rectify complex problems to find short and long-term solutions.
- Sourcing and maintaining stocks of lab materials and consumables, as well as input into larger and more specialist purchases, liaising with relevant contacts and suppliers to ensure cost effectiveness.
- Writing risk assessments and method statements/standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines.
- Training others in specialist techniques, processes, and procedures where necessary.
- Respond independently using initiative and judgement to find and offer solutions.
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You Should Apply If
The ideal candidate will:
- Have detailed specialist knowledge and refined skills; demonstrate 3+ years of experience in basic engineering skills including fitting, machining, and fabrication working with a variety of materials.
- Have a Glassblowing certificate or be willing to gain the qualification in the 1st year of employment.
- Have the ability to learn new techniques and processes in glass and metal work.
- Be able to develop strong working relationships with customers (research staff and students) to enable sensible and achievable solutions that meet research and teaching needs.
- Be committed to providing a quality, high-precision, and efficient service across the faculty.
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Additional Information
- Contract type: Open-ended
- Work pattern: Full-time
- Grade: G
- Salary: £32,080 - £35,608 per annum
- School/Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering
- This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 16th August 2026
- Interviews will be held over Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th August 2026
- For informal queries please contact: fse-technical-services@bristol.ac.uk
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Available Documents
- SUPP113087-Level_1_Specialist_Technical-Job-Description.pdf
- [Faculty of Science & Engineering Further Particulars 2026.pdf](Faculty of Science & Engineering Further Particulars 2026.pdf)
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