Specialist Technician - E-Textiles

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Knitting Technician to join the WSA E-Textile Innovation Lab to develop knitted textiles/e-textiles using Shima Seiki WholeGarment knitting machinery.

You will support the delivery of research projects and contribute to the development of promotional materials related to knitting for the MSc programme in E-textiles and Wearable Technologies to be launched in 2026. The main responsibility will be to develop different wearables (e.g. socks, sleeves, vests), which involves yarn selection, programming using APEX4, knitting, testing, and writing technical reports. You will work closely with other researchers within the research team (e.g. designers, material scientists, electronic engineers) and project collaborators. 

You will have experience in knitting using the Shima Seiki WholeGarment MACH2®M153XS and  SDS-ONE APEX4 software. A track record in developing e-textiles is preferred but not essential. Candidates with industrial experience are strongly encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity to join a fast-growing area of research at the University of Southampton. You will have opportunities to develop and consolidate your skills through collaborating with team members, and project partners from the industrial and healthcare sectors. There is opportunity to extend the contract beyond the initial 6 months. 

For informal enquires about this post, please contact the Lab Manager Gillian Lake-Thompson g.a.lake-thompson@soton.ac.uk or Prof Kai Yang: ky2e09@soton.ac.uk

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

The University is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC). We are committed to supporting our technical staff and offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development. We really value all our technical staff and recognise the broad range of skills they have in support of education, research and enterprise activities. By joining you will be part of a bigger technical community, offering support and guidance.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.