Technical Instructor in Advanced Composite Material Technology and Manufacturing

College of Science and Engineering

You will provide technical support for research and teaching activities related to material technology and testing processes.

Job details

Responsible to

Technical Team Leader

Location

Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

Closing date

Monday 23 February 2026

Salary

£32,260 to £36,251 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £41,689 per annum)

Job grade

ATOS 6

Reference

0060-25

Contract type

Permanent

Post type

Full-time

Adaptive working type

Onsite
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home STEM, the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too. 

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, Data Science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and Psychology. We are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design. 

Technical Services

Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning.  Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation play a vital part in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation. Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing.  

Technical colleagues within the College of Science and Engineering support a wide range of specialist resources and activities. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, workshops and controlled environments. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE), East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIOT) and the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA).

As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.

Many of our highly skilled technical staff members hold PhDs and Degrees in disciplines associated with the specialisms they deliver. An increasing number of our technicians have been recognised for their contribution to teaching and student support as Fellows and Associate Fellows of Advance HE. A number also hold professional accreditation status through organisations such as the Science Council, which establishes knowledge, understanding and competence. 

You will provide technical support for research and teaching activities related to material technology and testing processes within the College of Science and Engineering.

As a member of our technical team, you will be responsible for day-to-day operations which include training, equipment setup, and supervising students in the labs. You will ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, order consumables and equipment, and organise the disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, you will liaise with suppliers and service engineers to maintain and service laboratory equipment.

Working closely with academics and members of technical team you will provide specialist support relating to research and teaching activities, working across several laboratories with a high degree of autonomy.  You will be able to provide full technical support to students and staff including training and advice on the appropriate use of resources.

You should hold qualification(s) equivalent to a degree in a related discipline or comparable knowledge and transferable skills gained through professional experience.

The ideal candidate will have significant specialist technical experience in composite material technology, preferably gained within industry, research or educational setting. You will be proficient in operating and maintaining composite manufacturing equipment, such as autoclaves, resin transfer moulding systems, plus material testing apparatus. A strong understanding of laboratory and workshop health and safety regulations, including risk assessments and best practices, is required.

  1. Undertake any technical work related to our material and mechanical technology provision. This will include general lab maintenance; preparation of space in line with teaching requirements; development of resource area and maintaining safe systems of work.
  2. To support composite and material production activities. Providing guidance to students, staff and researchers in the correct use of facilities and equipment.
  3. To support composite and material testing activities. Providing guidance to students, staff and researchers in the correct use of facilities and equipment.
  4. Providing technical assistance, guidance and demonstrations to support student learning and academic teaching as agreed with the Technical Team Leader.
  5. Managing the organisation and maintenance of equipment and workshop spaces in the area, including equipment asset registers and ensuring compliance with all relevant Health and Safety regulations and policies.
  6. Contribute to the forward planning of resource area. Identifying procurement needs and ordering materials, consumables and equipment through the correct procedures as required. Keeping up to date records of consumable stock, purchases and assets.
  7. To assist and support research and knowledge transfer work by providing technical knowledge in appropriate resource areas.
  8. Attend relevant committee meetings as agreed with the Technical Team Leader.
  9. Participating in the University’s staff Development Review and engaging in personal staff development.
  10. Undertake any other duties as required in agreement with the Technical Team Leader / Technical Manager. Deputising for the Technical Team Leader when required.
  11. The details of this Job Description may be reviewed from time to time according to the changing needs, functions and circumstances of the College/ University.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

  • Degree in related discipline, or equivalent experiential learning in a related subject

Experience

  • Practical experience in composite material manufacturing
  • Experience working in a laboratory or industrial setting related to material science, engineering, or advanced manufacturing
  • Experience of material testing techniques, including tensile, hardness, and fatigue testing
  • Experience of working to Health and Safety regulations within laboratory and workshop environments
  • Experience working autonomously across multiple laboratories or technical environments
  • Experience of maintaining and servicing workshop and laboratory equipment
  • Demonstrable experience in manufacturing composite materials

Skills, knowledge & abilities

  • Confident user of manual metrology equipment and maintaining records
  • Full understanding of safety relating to handling, storage, use and disposal of potentially hazardous substances
  • Able to write and develop risk assessments and Health and Safety documentation relating to composite and material testing activities
  • Strong technical problem-solving skills, particularly in composite materials and manufacturing processes
  • Ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment such as autoclaves, resin transfer moulding machines, hot presses, and material testing apparatus
  • Able to manage own time effectively and to work on own initiative
  • Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively to students and colleagues
  • In-depth knowledge of composite material technology, including laminate structures and curing techniques
  • Knowledge of material testing procedures and standards
  • Ability to work across different laboratories and adapt to new technologies and equipment
  • Capability to train and supervise students and researchers in the correct and safe use of equipment

Business requirements

  • There will be limited evening and weekend work associated with this post
  • Willingness to provide support at University events from time to time e.g., Graduation, Clearing and Open Days, (some of these events occur outside of normal working hours, such as evenings and weekends)
  • Willingness and flexibility to travel and work between University sites in a cost effective and timely manner

Desirable Criteria

Experience

  • Experience in supporting research, teaching, or industrial collaboration in an academic or professional environment
  • Experience and technical understanding of the scientific principles necessary for the work, including (but not limited to): Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and Thermomechanical Analyzer (TMA)
  • Experience of static and dynamic testing of laminate composites
  • Significant experience in operating laboratory equipment required for material activities
  • Experience of engineering software including ANSYS, ABQUS, Matlab, Solidworks

Skills, knowledge and abilities

  • Proficiency in using engineering software for design, simulation, or material analysis (e.g., CAD, FEA, or data analysis tools)
  • Ability to write technical documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and laboratory protocols
  • Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
  • Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
  • Discounted onsite gym
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • A flexible working environment
  • A commitment to personal and professional development

Find out more about rewards and benefitsFind out more about rewards and benefits

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Richard Bostock, Technical Team Leader via R.Bostock@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

 

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation.

We are Disability Confident Employers, demonstrating our commitment to disability inclusion, and invite applicants to highlight adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes.

Further, we are committed to ensuring an environment which is trans and non-binary-inclusive for all our staff, students, partners, and visitors, and continuously review our policies, guidance and training.

When applying to join the University, you can choose your preferred title, including the gender-neutral title 'Mx'. We also ask our candidates if they would like to share their preferred pronouns. This is voluntary but demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity for trans and non-binary candidates. Once employed, you can add pronouns and preferred names onto our system.

The University of Derby undertakes anonymised shortlisting during the staff recruitment process. This means that, when shortlisting, panel members will not be able to see an applicant’s name and will see an applicant number instead. This demonstrates the practical steps we are taking to remove barriers to recruitment by minimising the possible impact of our unconscious bias.

However you identify, we actively celebrate the knowledge, experience and talents each person brings. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds; therefore we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who will help our leaders and teams be more reflective of our student population.

Read more about equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Derby.

 

Environmental Sustainability

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

 

Unlock your potential and apply today.

How to apply

You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.

The University reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

Further details

Download Technical Instructor in Advanced Composite Material Technology and Manufacturing job descriptionDownload Technical Instructor in Advanced Composite Material Technology and Manufacturing job description

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy.