Analytical Laboratory Technician

The Company Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.6 billion in revenue and 12,400 employees in 40 countries in 2024. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.

The Position

Salary: £32,128.00 + Area Supervisor Allowance
Contract: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday (day shift)

Job Summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Laboratory Technician at our Par Moor Centre. We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our team. This role supports the Laboratory Manager by assisting with resource management, sample administration, purchases, and laboratory organisation.

Why work for Imerys? At Imerys, every member of our team matters. Our priority is the health and safety of our people, and we aim to create diverse and inclusive workplaces. We are always striving to be better and support our people to learn, improve and innovate continuously. This allows them to tap into their full potential and to take advantage of the wealth of career and development opportunities available.

Responsibilities The laboratory technician will be responsible for laboratory operations and maintenance, including recording and reporting weekly sample throughput, managing chemical and standard stock levels, and processing orders for laboratory consumables. They will maintain instrument usage records, prioritise weekly test requests to meet deadlines, and monitor lab performance metrics. This role also involves assisting with instrument preventive and emergency maintenance, new instrument installations, method troubleshooting, and contributing to new method development to minimise downtime and ensure timely, high-quality results. The individual will perform laboratory-scale test measurements using Approved Test Methods and Good Lab Practices, ensuring accurate and timely recording and reporting of results with agreed-upon quality checks.

A key aspect of this role is quality assurance and accreditation. The Laboratory Technician will contribute to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and other laboratory accreditations by performing daily/weekly instrument checks, calibration, quality control monitoring, demonstrating method competency, and participating in proficiency testing. They will assist in preparing approved test methods and other documentation, identify and rectify instrument performance issues in consultation with management, and report non-conformities and deviating samples. The role involves assisting the Laboratory Manager with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and other accreditations, contributing to the Analytical Group's accreditation by helping with documentation, issue identification, and reporting.

The role also encompasses experimental work and financial management. This includes devising and performing laboratory-scale experiments following programs set by the Laboratory Manager and assuring results are accurately recorded and reported in a timely fashion, as agreed with the Laboratory Manager. The individual will assist the Laboratory Manager by compiling specific financial costing for procedures and apparatus, and regularly collate work volumes for monitoring departmental throughput.

Teamwork, communication, and safety are paramount. The Laboratory Technician will work independently and participate in multi-functional teams. They will engage in discussions with internal customers regarding technical issues, providing support and consultation for analytical queries. The supervisor will attend specific meetings in the absence of the Laboratory Manager and contribute to team safety by adhering to health and safety guidelines, identifying performance improvement mechanisms by reporting unsafe conditions and incidents, and following approved guidelines for chemical use and storage.

Essential skills for this position include the ability to work to strict deadlines under pressure and the ability to develop good working relationships within and outside the section.

Do you have the following attributes?

• Laboratory Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to work safely and competently within a laboratory setting, including the handling of specialised equipment and hazardous chemicals such as concentrated acids, bases (including hydrofluoric acid), and liquid nitrogen. Experienced in performing experiments under hazardous conditions, including high temperatures (700‑1100°C) and high pressures (compressed pressurised vessels).
• Technical Reporting & Communication: Strong report writing skills for summarising work programs and effectively contributing to technical meetings. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of analytical techniques and equipment such as ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, SEM, etc.
• Organisational & Administrative Acumen: Proficient in organisational and administrative tasks.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with procurement software packages and the use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Teamwork & Leadership: Proven ability to work effectively as both a team player and a leader.
• Problem‑Solving & Decision Making: Possesses an enquiring mind, with the ability to make sound decisions within established procedures or through consultation. Experience in laboratory‑based problem‑solving.
• Safety Consciousness: High level of safety consciousness.
• Training & Development: Capable of providing training to others and developing comprehensive training packs for specific areas of expertise.
• Supervisory Capabilities: Demonstrated supervisory skills.

What’s in it for you? 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays Generous Pension Plan Life Assurance Income Protection Private Healthcare Company Sick Pay Discounts with external retailers on Imerys Advantage! Cycle to work scheme via Halfords Salary sacrifice car scheme via Tusker Buy Holiday scheme We also offer a comprehensive package to support the Well-being of our people, which includes: Employee Assistance Programme Virtual GP Flu and Eye care vouchers Enhanced family-friendly policies Menopause Support Check4Cancer (prostate checks) Volunteer to be a Mental Health First Aider, First Aider at Work or Fire Marshal.

To Apply For any enquiries about this position or to request a copy of the job description, please contact Phil Nile, HR Business Partner, on 07483 931276 or philip.nile@imerys.com. Closing date for applications: 06/12/2025. To ensure fairness and legal compliance in our recruitment processes, only applications received through the online application process will be considered.

IMERY is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.