The University of Manchester
Technical Specialist (Quantum Materials and Device Characterisation)

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Technical Specialist (Quantum Materials and Device Characterisation)
We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive individual to join our team as a Technical Specialist (Quantum Materials and Device Characterisation) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, based at the Photon Science Institute. This role offers an exciting opportunity to provide high-level technical expertise supporting world-leading research in quantum materials and quantum device characterisation.
This is a full-time (35 hours per week), permanent role. Due to the in-person requirements of the post, hybrid working is not feasible.
You will work as part of a dynamic technical operations team, delivering specialist support for advanced experimental facilities, with a particular focus on low-temperature cryogenic systems and high-frequency RF/microwave characterisation.
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
- Operating and maintaining a low-temperature (<20 mK) dilution refrigerator for quantum device characterisation
- Designing, assembling and operating advanced RF/microwave control and measurement systems (up to 40 GHz)
- Supporting complementary low-temperature photonic characterisation capabilities
- Providing expert advice, training and technical support to staff, students and external users
- Ensuring excellent service delivery, health and safety compliance and continuous improvement within your area of specialism
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About You
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
Essential Criteria:
- Experience operating low-temperature cryogenic systems
- Experience with RF/microwave control and measurement
- Experience in electronic characterisation of semiconductor devices
- Ability to write software for equipment control and data acquisition
- Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience characterising qubit devices
- Experience with high-frequency RF/microwave electronics (up to 40 GHz)
- Experience in semiconductor device design and fabrication
- Experience leading or supervising technical staff
- Experience managing projects, budgets or equipment installations
We value technical excellence, adaptability and a strong service-focused mindset as much as formal qualifications.
Our Benefits
- Generous employer pension contribution
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Access to extensive professional development and world-class research infrastructure
For more information, please see https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/.


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You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.
Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews
Name: Professor Richard Curry / Dr Maddison Coke
Email Address: richard.curry@manchester.ac.uk / maddison.coke@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
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