Job Description

About us
The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) brings together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to generate perception, form memories and guide behaviour. Developed through the vision and partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, and with substantial investment from these partners, the mission of the SWC is to generate experimentally testable theories of brain function.
The SWC Innovations and Fabrications Laboratory (FabLab) supports and accelerates innovative scientific research through the design, development and deployment of new research instruments. The team provides multi- disciplinary engineering design and manufacturing expertise supporting ground-breaking research within the Centre, enabling the assessment of scientific and technical requirements as well as the proposal and development of engineered solutions.
A high level of investment in the FabLab facilities has equipped the team with state-of-the-art design and manufacturing technologies for the rapid prototyping of electronic, 3D printed, fluidic and precision machined parts. The FabLab comprises highly skilled and experienced engineers who facilitate a state of the art and multidisciplinary MakerSpace enabling scientists at all career levels to freely and creatively experiment and prototype ideas.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Scientific Instrument Maker to join our expert team carrying out highly skilled precision work in the design, development, construction, and validation of scientific instruments.
Central to this role is the ability to design and simulate complex assemblies to a high standard using Autodesk Inventor Pro, translating scientific concepts into robust, manufacturable prototypes.
This role requires a high degree of self-management; you will oversee your own workload, identifying when to manufacture in-house and when to prepare professional inventor-based design packages for external partners to ensure effective time management and meet deadlines.
About you
You will have completed a recognised apprenticeship to NVQ Level 3, ideally complemented by a higher qualification in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience. You are a proactive and confident communicator who thrives in a collaborative team environment, comfortable asking insightful questions to clarify requirements and keen to share technical knowledge and expertise with colleagues.
Highly organised and self-motivated, you manage your own project timelines while working effectively both independently and as part of a team. Substantial experience of working within a fast-paced precision engineering design and manufacturing environment is essential.
You are highly proficient in 3D CAD design using Autodesk Inventor Pro (or equivalent), including simulation and stress analysis, and produce high-quality CAD models and technical documentation suitable for manufacture and outsourcing. Your skill set will include offline CAM programming, 3D printing (FDM and PolyJet), laser and water-jet cutting, and extensive experience programming, setting, and operating 5-axis CNC machines and lathes using CADCAM software and Siemens/Celos or ProtoTRAK controls.
Experience in scientific equipment design and manufacturing is desirable.
What we offer
SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with state-of-the-art facilities, an on-site brasserie and access to pleasant outdoor spaces.
The Centre also offers the full range of UCL staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement, occupational pension schemes, excellent family-friendly policies such as occupational shared parental pay, a work-life balance policy, and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts.
Further information on UCL's staff benefits can be found online: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/pay-and-staff-benefits.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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.
The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. SWC is delighted to have received an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2021. We stand by our commitment to positive action to improve equality and accessibility in the workplace. We will provide reasonable adjustments to enable people to work and flourish with us.
SWC is proud to uphold both UCL's Dignity at Work and Work-Life Balance policies. As Centre we commit to fostering a positive cultural climate where all staff and students can thrive.
Available documents

Skills Required