University of Cambridge
Technical Specialist
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Technical Specialist (LiFi Research and Development Centre)
Based at our Electrical Engineering Building in West Cambridge, this role provides specialist technical support to enable the effective operation of the LiFi Research and Development Centre (LRDC).
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of the LRDC and Titan Hub, you will be laboratory-based, contributing to high-quality experimental research by offering tailored, specialist technical guidance to researchers and students.
Your responsibilities include:
- Supporting the development of new methodologies and techniques for effective facility use.
- Managing day-to-day laboratory operations.
- Ensuring facilities, equipment, safety systems, and technical processes operate efficiently, reliably, and in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
Collaborating with academic staff, researchers, and students, you will facilitate the design, execution, and documentation of complex experiments. This role also involves:
- High-level method development.
- Equipment construction and testing.
- Direct contribution to the Department’s research objectives by ensuring research projects run smoothly.
Responsibilities
- Provide specialist technical guidance supporting effective experimental operations.
- Collaborate with researchers, students, and academic staff on experiment design and execution.
- Develop and implement new experimental techniques.
- Construct and test specialist laboratory equipment.
- Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations within a research environment.
- Manage day-to-day laboratory activities to ensure smooth, compliant, and reliable operations.
- Document research results and methodologies effectively.
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Requirements
Essential
- A degree in a relevant research area (or Level 6 vocational qualification) or equivalent practical experience.
- Advanced knowledge of research technical work and the ability to operate specialist experimental equipment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Good knowledge of mathematical analysis software.
- Proven experience in managing multiple research projects.
- Ability to present and communicate research findings to diverse audiences.
- Experience in implementing health and safety procedures in a laboratory setting.
- Previous involvement in providing technical training (to individuals or groups).
Preferable (but not essential)
- Prior experience in LiFi or optical communications research.
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Benefits
- Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge research environment.
- Contributing directly to innovative, high-impact projects.
- Collaboration with leading academics and researchers.
Additional Details
This is a fixed-term role, funded until 30 September 2026 in the first instance.
Internal candidates are welcome to apply on a secondment basis.
How to Apply
- Submit your application online via our recruitment system (Apply Button).
- If you’ve never used the system before, you will need to register an account.
- Closing date: Monday, 6 July 2026.
- Reference: NM50033
Please quote this reference on your application and in all correspondence.
For queries about the role or application process, contact: Department of Engineering HR Office Email: hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure all employees can live and work in the UK. Applications will be reviewed with this requirement in mind.
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