Research Technical Officer at UCL (B02-11236)

Ref Number

B02-11236

Professional Expertise

Laboratory Technical and Lab Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

UCL East

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

£43,981-£54,019​

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

20-Oct-2026

About us

UCL Division of Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies, to ecology and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an
expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students. We are now recruiting a Research Technical Officer position to provide technical support for the Agritech Platform and People & Nature Laboratory to support our cross-disciplinary research, teaching and external engagement based the new UCL East campus

About the role

In this pivotal role, this position will provide technical support for teaching, research and public engagement activities related to biodiversity, environmental change and human health. The successful candidate will support a variety of complex projects, including those involving (1) vertical farming, greenhouse, bee labs and roof garden experiments; (2) eDNA and environmental genetics; (3) sensor technologies; (4) field-based ecological research and (5) public engagement through citizen science.

Working closely with other technical and academic staff, the postholder will play a crucial role in developing and supporting the small technical team, physical spaces, digital assets, field sites, equipment, environmental genetics protocols and procedures at the UCL East Agritech Platform, the People & Nature Lab and wider engagement activities across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Being both a research and student-facing post, the post-holder will play a crucial role in delivering an excellent student experience and is ideally suited to someone who thrives in an interactive learning environment and is skilled in developing innovative practical-made solutions, while also maintaining safe and organised workspaces.

• We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

• This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research
  and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/humanresources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
  A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Reshma Tilwani
  (reshma.tilwani@ucl.ac.uk).

• If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible
  format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.

About you

You will have an undergraduate degree, or equivalent experience in a relevant Biological or Agricultural Sciences subject area, and have technical awareness of greenhouses, vertical farms, bee labs and a diverse range of ecological laboratory, data science and field techniques and equipment directly relevant to the UCL East Agritech Platform and People & Nature Lab. You would also have experience of supervising staff and in leading a team to deliver technical support provision, and experience of running greenhouses, vertical farms and diverse laboratory, data science and fieldwork environment and adherence to health and safety requirements. Experience in teaching, mentoring, and demonstrating skills or crafts to staff/students and the wider public would also be an advantage. 

What we offer

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)

• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme

• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)

• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

• Immigration loan

• Relocation scheme for certain posts

• On-Site nursery

• On-site gym

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. 

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. 

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. 

Our division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. 

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/