Sample Prep Technician in Leicester

The role involves working with laboratory facilities in Leicester and Poole at Environmental Chemistry Testing Limited (ECT), part of the Phenna Group, which partners with clients across the UK to deliver a comprehensive range of chemistry and microbiology testing services. The expertise supports projects across the construction sector, including residential and commercial developments, rail and road infrastructure, airports, tunnelling, mining, utilities, and brownfield regeneration.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Sample Prep Technician to join our Sample Preparation Department at our Leicester city centre laboratory. The Sample Prep Team plays a vital role in the laboratory operation, preparing MCERTS- and UKAS-accredited sub-samples for extraction and analysis. The department also acts as the first line of defence in identifying potential asbestos contamination, ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance are maintained.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop a long-term career within environmental laboratory testing. Alongside core sample preparation responsibilities, successful candidates will have the opportunity to broaden their technical skills and progress into areas such as asbestos analysis (also obtaining a P401 qualification) and instrumental analytical techniques within the wider sample prep operations.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of soil, water and construction material samples ready for chemical analysis
• Ensure all tasks are carried out to high standards of safety, quality and efficiency
• Follow all procedural requirements as set out by the ISO17025 Quality Management System
• Ensure adequate and proper records are kept and stored correctly
• Ensure equipment is checked, cleaned, calibrated and suitable for use

Specific requirements

• Good oral, written and numeracy skills
• GCSE grade C / 5 or above in maths and science
• Computer literate
• Previous laboratory experience would be advantageous

At ECT we offer a career not just a job. In your first six months you will develop your basic lab prep skills as well as become fully proficient in a range of duties as a Sample Prep Technician. On successfully passing your 4-month probationary period, you will automatically progress to Level 2. Once at Level 2, your skills and knowledge will grow further. Within around 12 - 18 months your next step is Level 3, to achieve this level you will be able to demonstrate the ability to work autonomously completing all required tasks correctly and on time. From Level 3 onwards each progression step is matched with a pay rise ensuring that your personal development is kept step in step with your earnings. The speed at which you progress is ultimately down to you and how you apply yourself in the role.

What we offer

• Starting salary £26,436.80 (paid at £12.71 per hour)
• 40 hour working week
• Any overtime worked paid at 1.3 times basic rate of pay
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Workwear provided
• Healthcare plan
• Contributory pension scheme
• Perkbox rewards platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Tech pack purchasing scheme
• Personal development and training
• Enjoyable and fulfilling work environment

Our Values

• Think Customer – Our customer is the focus of everything we do and through them we maximise our reputation and growth.
• Speed and Agility – Own it. Be Bold. Take Action. Get it done.
• Be Transparent – We are open and honest and act with integrity at all times.
• Work Together – We work and collaborate as one team and look out for our fellow colleagues.
• Act Responsibly – Fearless in taking accountability, we give responsibility to others and treat everyone with courtesy, dignity and respect.
• Be Proud – We celebrate our achievements, learn from our experiences, and take pride in all we do.

About Phenna Group: Headquartered in Nottingham, UK, Phenna Group's aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, ensuring customers' peace of mind by delivering first class assurance and consultancy services. With a diverse portfolio of companies across the Built Environment, Infrastructure, Niche Industrials, Food and Life Sciences and Compliance and Certifications, Phenna Group is dedicated to supporting customers in regulated sectors by delivering mission-critical services with a focus on quality and deliverability.