About
Employer description
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the leading scientific institutions in the world and has been at the forefront in the development of techniques and instrumentation for many years. A major part of this success has been the support given by the Electronics and Mechanical Workshops.
Main description
The purpose of the role is to design and build electronic instrumentation, unavailable commercially, as part of the team of electronic & software engineers in the Electronics Workshop and to provide support and expertise to the scientific staff.
Main duties/ Key responsibilities:
- Responsible for the design, production and development of electronic equipment and instrumentation to meet the needs of the science in an innovative and flexible way and conforming to all statutory and local health and safety regulations.
- Designing electronics circuitry, developing the embedded or PC control software and converting this to hardware including the design and layout of circuit boards, manufacturing all the required infrastructure, and carrying out any testing and debugging.
- Consulting with engineers from the Mechanical Workshop where necessary in developing workable solutions to problems in an efficient and timely manner.
- Keeping abreast of technological developments to ensure that advice given on possible solutions to challenges is based on an up to date knowledge of leading-edge technology.
- Providing a high level of electronics and software expertise to scientific staff in order to develop novel protocols and methods not available with existing commercial equipment.
- Ensuring that work is suitably documented.
Working relationships:
The role reports directly to the Head of the Electronics Workshop. The Workshop, which is part of the Structural Studies Division, is also staffed by two Senior Electronics Engineers and an Electronics Technician.
On a day to day basis, the role deals directly with Scientific Staff and works closely with other departments concerned with technical support including the Engineering Workshop, the IT department and Instrument Services.
Person Specification
Education / qualifications / training required:
Essential:
Degree or HND level qualification in an engineering discipline.
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
- Extensive experience in high level electronics-based design, including analogue & digital techniques and PCB layout.
- Experience of software development in C for embedded systems
- Technical knowledge regarding the latest developments in electronics.
Desirable:
- Experience of instrumentation design in a scientific environment, in particular with sensor technology and low noise measurement techniques.
- Experience of data acquisition using LabVIEW
- Experience of programming for Windows/Linux applications in C and Python.
Knowledge and experience:
Creativity and initiative
Essential:
Track record in providing innovative solutions to diverse design challenges.
Desirable:
- The ability to approach problems with creativity and an open mind.
- Knowledge and interest in Arduino, Raspberry Pi, making things etc.
- Independent working
Essential:
- The ability to work safely without close supervision.
- The ability to take on and see a project through from start to completion, coupled with experience in project management and systems design.
- Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:
The ability to communicate with other staff at all levels, and able to create clear and precise documentation.
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
Essential:
A mature and conscientious attitude.
Ability to approach problems in a creative manner and to suggest engineering solutions to scientific questions.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise work to deal with several projects simultaneously. Working to strict deadlines, whilst providing accurate information.
Desirable:
An inquisitive nature with regard to finding engineering solutions to challenges and a desire to understand the work of the department and how it relates to the science carried out in the LMB.
Further Information
You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:
• Code of Conduct
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection policy
Closing Date
The closing date for this job offer is on 20/01/2026
Salary
£45,869 - £51,547 per annum
Location
This job is located in Cambridge, Cambs
How to Apply
About West Suffolk College
West Suffolk College is an ambitious vocational and academic College, with a stunning main campus set in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. We are committed to providing outstanding education to all our students.
