Research Laboratory Technician (volcanology, fluid dynamics & rheology)


Company:	Lancaster University
Salary:	£26,707 to £30,378 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	LA1 4YW
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	19 Sept 2026
Closing date:	8 Oct 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

An exciting opportunity exists for a research laboratory technician to join the Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC). You will be working within and supporting the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (GFD) Laboratories and Dr Jones’ research team at Lancaster University.

The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (GFD) Laboratory in the Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a world-class facility for research into a wide range of topics covering volcanology and planetary science. It has an extensive equipment base for scaled analogue experiments (e.g., high-speed cameras, tensiometers, liquid density meter, viscometer), rheometry (e.g., extensional, powder and rotational rheometers), high-temperature experiments (> 1000°C rheometry and furnaces), and particle size, shape, and density characterization. You will also benefit from being part of the wider volcanology research group comprising numerous faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students.

You will contribute to the GFD Lab by supporting the design, installation, operation, and safe running of laboratory equipment. You will also provide a data collection service to support current research grants, so it is expected that the successful candidate will have previous laboratory experience.

The role offers flexibility in terms of the data and measurements to be completed, and candidates should make their case against at least one of the following themes:

textural and granulometric analysis of pyroclasts/particles (e.g., size, shape, density of particles)
computer-based image analysis of high-speed video footage from analogue experiments and Scanning Electron Microscope images of pyroclasts
rheometry experiments (e.g., rotational, oscillatory, granular, extensional)
high-temperature experimentation (ideally at temperatures in excess of 1000°C).

It is not essential to have experience in more than one of these themes, and strong applications can still be made against a single theme.

Lancaster University is a research-intensive university, ranked among the top 1% of universities globally, and within the UK’s top 10. It is located on a beautiful campus in the North-West of England close to the Lake District National Park. The Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a large and multidisciplinary department, tackling grand environmental challenges.

LEC offers a highly collegial and stimulating environment for career development based on departmental values and embedded Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) considerations and actions. We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. Furthermore, we are active and progressive around sustainability, wellbeing, and decolonising agendas.

Expected start dates are within the year 2026 however there is some flexibility. The post is initially for 1 year, full time, however further opportunities for extension may become available and part-time employment is possible.

What to include in each document of your application:

Cover Letter: Please discuss why you are interested specifically in this position, your start availability, preferences for full or part time, and how your experience and skills match one or more of the themes listed above.

CV: Please include a 2-page CV.

Supporting Statements: Please provide a statement for each Personal Specification point that is listed as being scored via “Supporting Statements”. This should include examples that provide evidence of your experience and expertise. Aim for one paragraph per criteria (~50-200 words).

Referees: Contact information for referees.

Informal inquiries may be directed to Dr. Thomas Jones: thomas.jones@lancaster.ac.uk

Apply for this job

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.