Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Salary: £39,355 to £46,735 per annum
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (2 years)
Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available
Application Deadline: Sunday 6 July 2025
Overview: Lead the NCAS Atmospheric Workshop as Workshop Manager
Are you experienced in managing technical workshops, physics labs, or maker spaces? Do you have a passion for organising resources, maintaining safety standards, and preparing specialised equipment for field research? The University of Leeds invites applications for the position of Workshop Manager to lead the NCAS Atmospheric Workshop—a cutting-edge maker space supporting world-class atmospheric science.
This is an exceptional opportunity to work within the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS), a globally recognised research institution advancing atmospheric research in air pollution, climate change, weather science, and digital atmosphere.
About the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS)
NCAS is supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and employs over 250 staff across UK universities and institutes. The centre offers vital services such as:
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FAAM Airborne Laboratory: Operating a highly modified BAE 146 aircraft for airborne atmospheric research.
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Atmospheric Measurement and Observation Facility: Advanced ground-based observational systems including radars and sensors.
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Modelling and Data Analysis: Sophisticated computer modelling and data storage services supporting atmospheric science.
NCAS plays a key role in international atmospheric science programmes, providing advice, leadership, and national capabilities for research and training.
The Atmospheric Workshop: Your Future Workplace
Based at the University of Leeds, the NCAS Atmospheric Workshop is a vibrant maker space dedicated to designing, building, and deploying advanced atmospheric instrumentation for global field campaigns. It serves multiple research groups, both internal and external, supporting innovation in atmospheric technology.
As Workshop Manager, you will oversee all workshop activities, ensuring efficient operations, user safety, and equipment readiness. This dynamic role offers the chance to engage in diverse technical and educational projects while collaborating with leading atmospheric scientists and engineers.
Key Responsibilities of the Workshop Manager
Your role will encompass a wide variety of tasks essential for the success of the NCAS Atmospheric Workshop, including:
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Workshop Leadership: Manage day-to-day operations of the workshop, coordinating use of space, tools, and resources to maximise efficiency.
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Health and Safety: Develop, implement, and enforce robust safety protocols to protect workshop users and equipment. Regularly review risk assessments and maintain compliance with university and legal safety standards.
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Equipment Management: Prepare, maintain, and calibrate specialised atmospheric instrumentation and technical equipment for fieldwork deployment.
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Resource Coordination: Organise materials, tools, and consumables ensuring availability and proper storage. Manage procurement and inventory control.
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Technical Support: Provide hands-on technical assistance and training to researchers and staff using the workshop facilities.
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Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with scientists, engineers, and administrative teams to support research goals. Facilitate knowledge sharing and technical innovation.
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Fieldwork Preparation: Support field campaigns by packing, checking, and shipping equipment. Occasional travel may be required for fieldwork in locations ranging from local sites to remote areas like Antarctica.
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Facility Development: Drive continuous improvement of workshop capabilities and infrastructure, transforming the facility into a world-class atmospheric research hub.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
To excel as Workshop Manager at NCAS, candidates should demonstrate the following:
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Proven Experience: Demonstrated management of physics labs, maker spaces, or technical workshops, ideally in a scientific or research environment.
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Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of workshop equipment, instrumentation, and technical support practices.
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Health and Safety Competency: Knowledge of risk assessment, safety regulations, and best practices in workshop environments.
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Organisational Skills: Ability to optimise space utilisation, manage inventory, and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
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Communication: Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
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Independence and Teamwork: Comfortable working autonomously and collaboratively in a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
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Physical Presence: Ability to be onsite at the University of Leeds workshop for the majority of the workweek.
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Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to travel and adjust to evolving project needs and fieldwork demands.
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Relevant Qualifications: Educational background or training in physics, engineering, atmospheric science, or a related technical field is highly desirable.
Why Work for the University of Leeds and NCAS?
Joining the University of Leeds means becoming part of a vibrant academic community with access to excellent facilities and support systems:
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Competitive Salary: £39,355 to £46,735 per year reflecting your expertise and contribution.
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Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: The University supports eligible international applicants with visa sponsorship, helping you build a career in the UK.
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Generous Holiday Allowance: 26 days annual leave plus approximately 16 bank holidays and university closure days, totaling 42 days off per year.
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Pension and Life Assurance: Comprehensive pension plan with university contributions of 14.5% of your salary, plus life insurance coverage.
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Health and Wellbeing: Access discounted membership at The Edge, a state-of-the-art campus gym with pools, climbing walls, saunas, and sports facilities.
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Professional Development: Ongoing learning opportunities through courses run by the Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
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On-Site Facilities: Childcare services, retail discounts, and travel schemes available to staff.
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Flexible Working: Hybrid working options and flexibility to balance work and personal commitments.
The Importance of This Role in Atmospheric Science Research
As Workshop Manager, your work will directly impact the quality and success of cutting-edge atmospheric science research that informs public policy, environmental monitoring, and climate change mitigation.
Your management of the NCAS workshop ensures that innovative instrumentation is ready for deployment in global field campaigns, enabling scientists to collect accurate, high-quality data from diverse environments.
Who Should Apply? Ideal Candidate Profile
This opportunity is perfect for candidates who:
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Have experience managing technical workshops or laboratories in research environments.
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Possess a passion for atmospheric science or related fields.
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Are skilled in coordinating resources and managing complex technical equipment.
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Have a strong focus on health and safety and compliance.
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Can build strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
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Are adaptable, self-motivated, and ready to work in a dynamic environment.
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Are willing to be physically present in Leeds and travel for fieldwork.
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Seek a fixed-term contract with potential for future growth or extension.
How to Apply: Your Next Steps to Join the University of Leeds
Interested applicants should prepare a CV and supporting statement highlighting relevant experience and skills aligned with the role description. Emphasise your technical expertise, safety knowledge, and ability to manage workshop resources effectively.
Applications are accepted online through the University of Leeds career portal. Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date: Sunday, 6 July 2025.
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Information
The University of Leeds supports international applicants through the Skilled Worker Visa route. This enables eligible candidates to work legally in the UK while developing their careers.
Please note:
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Salary thresholds and eligibility criteria apply for visa sponsorship.
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First-time visa applicants may need to meet specific salary concessions.
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For detailed guidance, visit the official UK government website: Skilled Worker Visa.
Final Thoughts: Take the Next Step in Your Technical Career at the University of Leeds
This Workshop Manager role offers an exciting challenge to lead a nationally and internationally recognised atmospheric science facility. With a competitive salary, visa sponsorship, and comprehensive benefits, it’s an excellent opportunity to advance your career in a cutting-edge research environment.
If you have the technical skills, leadership qualities, and passion for atmospheric science, don’t miss this chance to apply. Join the University of Leeds and contribute to world-class scientific discoveries that shape our understanding of the environment.
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