You will provide practical technical support for teaching laboratories, research and student projects. Key responsibilities include delivering laboratory demonstrations, supporting circuit design and troubleshooting, designing and testing electronic systems and prototypes, maintaining and repairing equipment, and helping manage laboratory components and consumables. You will also support safe working practices and contribute to maintaining well-organised, effective laboratory environments. 

You will have a relevant Electrical/Electronic Engineering qualification or equivalent practical experience, together with experience in a similar technical environment. You should have knowledge of electronics CAD packages such as KiCAD or Proteus, PCB design, Arduino/Raspberry Pi, programming such as C or Python, and hand soldering. Strong communication, problem-solving and organisational skills are important, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience in electronic prototyping or power electronics would be advantageous.

Due to the timeframe of the role, we are looking to appoint as soon as possible. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and would particularly welcome those who are available to start at short notice.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Hybrid working is possible for this role, which means working both on campus and from home depending on the activity. Further information on hybrid working can be found here.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

Aston University may be able to sponsor those who are already on a Skilled Worker Visa issued before 04 April 2024 or 22 July 2025 and eligible for new entrant salary discount. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. 

Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.

See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Closing Date: 30 Nov 2026

Unit: Technical

Salary: £31,861 to £37,369 per annum

The opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our amazing technical team within School Operations to join our Vision Sciences Technical Team as an Apprentice Technician. We are seeking a proactive, reliable individual to join our team which supports teaching and research facilities.

The successful candidate will provide practical and technical support across the School of Optometry, including the Aston Eye Clinic, clinical skills spaces, teaching laboratories and dispensing-related learning areas. The post will help ensure that teaching rooms, clinics, equipment and consumables are prepared to a high standard, supporting a positive experience for students, staff, supervisors and patients.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you will work closely with technical colleagues, academic staff, and students to ensure our clinics run smoothly, safely, and effectively. The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Assist with the setup and preparation of optometry and audiology teaching clinics, practical sessions and clinical skills spaces. 
• Check rooms, equipment, computers, test charts and teaching resources before sessions begin, escalating any issues appropriately. 
• Support the issuing, tracking, cleaning and safe return of clinical and teaching equipment. 
• Help maintain stock levels of consumables, frames, lenses and other teaching or clinic supplies. 
• Maintain tidy, safe and professional working areas in line with local procedures and health and safety requirements. 
• Support staff, supervisors and students during teaching sessions where required. 
• Develop knowledge of dispensing, optical appliances, frame handling, lens types and clinic workflow as preparation for the apprenticeship pathway. 
• Complete agreed training records, reflective notes and development objectives as part of the in-house training programme. 

About you

We are looking for a practical, organised, proactive individual with a strong commitment to teamwork and customer service. You will thrive in a busy, dynamic environment and enjoy working collaboratively with a diverse range of people, from students to academic staff and external suppliers. Excellent communication skills and a strong attention to detail are essential for supporting practical classes and demonstrating equipment.

Training and Development Pathway 

• In-house technical training: The apprentice will receive supervised training across clinic preparation, equipment checks, stock control, health and safety, basic maintenance tasks, patient-facing professionalism and support for teaching sessions. 
• Dispensing Optician apprenticeship: Completing a recognised Dispensing Optician apprenticeship pathway, combining workplace learning with formal study. 
• Ongoing support: The apprentice will receive regular supervision, feedback, probation/development conversations and opportunities to build confidence through practical experience. 

Working at Aston

We are committed to the Technician Commitment and to supporting the career development of technical staff across all disciplines. You will be supported to undertake a range of training and development activity, as a minimum, you will undertake relevant technical and health & safety training. 

Aston University is located within Birmingham city centre and benefits from excellent transport links by bus and train. Discounted on-site parking and a cycle-to-work scheme are also available. Information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

For further Information, please contact the Technical Team Leader – Matthew Hancock

m.hancock@aston.ac.uk

Closing Date: 18 Nov 2026

Unit: Technical

Salary: £21,366 to £25,166