The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Additive Manufacturing and Hydrogen Technologies Team at Manchester Metropolitan University as a Plasma Engineer Technical Specialist. Based in John Dalton, inside the Atmospheric Plasma Engineering laboratories, this is an exciting opportunity to use your specialist skills to support the research, teaching and industrial partners projects taking place in Manchester Metropolitan University.
The AirFeed: Self-Reliant Farming From Air is an Innovate UK funded project.
The Atmospheric Plasma Engineering research team is aiming to develop and validate a mobile plasma prototype that can operate dependably and reliably on farms.
Working together with the academic team, the technical specialist will be refining and scaling up of the existing atmospheric pressure plasma system, performing the required analysis, testing, and troubleshooting, leasing with industrial and research partners to successfully deliver the objectives of this collaborative project.
This is a fixed term 18 month position that is estimated to start ASAP.
The Role
As a Technical Specialist, you will:
- Work independently in your specialist area, taking responsibility for a designated workspace and the provision of an excellent service.
- Be responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and general maintenance of specialist equipment in your area.
- Devise innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
- Train service users in the use of specialist equipment and software.
- Be willing to undergo training on the uses of the required analytical services.
- Be able to design, build, develop and operate atmospheric pressure plasma systems.
About you
To succeed in this role, you will possess:
- A doctoral level qualification in plasma related research. Degree in Mechanical Design/ Manufacturing / Chemical Engineering or Industrial experience in a closely related subject.
- Have detailed and extensive knowledge of theory and practice of atmospheric pressure plasma reactors design and operation.
- A well-established experience of using engineering drawing software such as CAD.
- A good hands on experience in manufacturing prototype.
Personal attributes:
- ability to collect, organise and synthesise complex data from different sources;
- communication of findings succinctly via oral presentations and written reports and articles;
- be pro-active, motivated, resourceful and able to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team;
- able to effectively manage time whilst keeping to a schedule of work and be organised in documenting progress throughout the project.
For the complete list of essential and desiderable criteria please refer to the provided job description
The Team
You will be part of a large and diverse Technical Team that works in specialist laboratories, workshops, studios and IT facilities. Our technical team play a key role supporting, guiding, and advising across our university, from sciences, engineering, art, design and technology through to sports, ceramics, nursing and physiotherapy.
We offer a creative working environment that inspires our staff to fulfil their potential and offer training to further develop your skills and expertise
How to apply:
Please upload a cover letter and CV detailing how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the attached Job Description.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role or require further information, please contact Dr Tiziana Denaro at t.denaro@mmu.ac.uk.
Interviews will take place on Monday 16 November and Monday 23 November 2026. Due to project timescales, alternative interview dates may not be available, so applicants should ensure they are available to attend on these dates before applying.
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.
Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.
Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy. This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.
Details
- Location:Manchester All Saints Campus
- Faculty / Function:Academic Services
- Salary:Grade 7 (£36,320 to £40,704)
- Closing Date:8 November 2026
- Contract Type:Fixed Term
- Contract Length:18 months
- Contracted Hours per week:35
