Specialist Technician

The role

The School of Geographical Sciences is seeking to appoint a 2-year fixed term Specialist Research Technician. The role will start in May 2026 or as soon as possible. The post-holder will support a number of linked research projects which are investigating environmental pollution (including plastics) and the impact on the environment and human health. The post-holder will contribute to research by carrying out chemical analysis of a range of natural samples, as well as work with the Principal Investigator to design and plan research experiments.

What will you be doing?

The post holder will fully support laboratory research activities, ensuring that the laboratories are prepared for experimentation and are compliant with relevant Health and Safety and other legislative or policy requirements. They will plan and carry out specialist techniques (including GC, GC/MS, Py-GC/MS, LC/MS and FTIR microscopy) and train others in these and essential core functions. They will also collate, organise and edit material for inclusion in reports and documents.

You should apply if

• Relevant qualifications at GCSE, or NVQ level 2/3, or equivalent level, plus relevant work experience; or significant relevant work experience.
• Detailed specialist knowledge and refined skills in analytical chemistry laboratory techniques, including chromatographic and mass spectral data interpretation, process improvement and problem solving.
• Experience of operating and maintaining a range of scientific instrumentation, including GC, GC/MS, LC/MS and FTIR microscopy.
• Experience of extracting and isolating specific compound classes from a range of natural matrices.
• Excellent IT skills, working knowledge of relevant specialist software.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal with and prioritise a range of ongoing tasks at the same time, and to be able to cope under pressure.
• Ability to review and advise on complex procedures.
• Ability to work independently towards pre-defined goals.
• Consistently maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision in all areas of work.
• Innovative approach to work.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for 2 years

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 12/04/2026

For informal queries please contact:

Dr Charlotte Lloyd, Associate Professor in Environmental Chemistry, (Charlotte.lloyd@bristol.ac.uk)

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

Available documents

• Faculty of Science & Engineering Further Particulars 2024-25.pdf
• SUPP113219 - Level 1 Specialist Technician-JD.pdf

£32,080 to £35,608. Grade G, per annum

• Relevant qualifications at GCSE, or NVQ level 2/3, or equivalent level, plus relevant work experience; or significant relevant work experience.
• Detailed specialist knowledge and refined skills in analytical chemistry laboratory techniques, including chromatographic and mass spectral data interpretation, process improvement and problem solving.
• Experience of operating and maintaining a range of scientific instrumentation, including GC, GC/MS, LC/MS and FTIR microscopy.
• Experience of extracting and isolating specific compound classes from a range of natural matrices.
• Excellent IT skills, working knowledge of relevant specialist software.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal with and prioritise a range of ongoing tasks at the same time, and to be able to cope under pressure.
• Ability to review and advise on complex procedures.
• Ability to work independently towards pre-defined goals.
• Consistently maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision in all areas of work.
• Innovative approach to work.