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Laboratory Technician - Planetary Materials & Geochemistry
Posting Start Date: 5 Oct 2026
Location: Harwell, GB, OX11 0FD
Contract Type: Full Time
Job Advertisement: Join Serco, a trusted space services partner with more than 55 years of experience supporting ESA, NASA and other international space organisations across the full mission lifecycle.
Are you a hands-on laboratory professional with experience in geology, geochemistry, analytical chemistry or materials science? Join our team at ESA-ECSAT in Harwell, UK, and help support planetary science and space exploration. You will prepare and analyse geological materials, operate specialist instruments, manage samples and support researchers using ESA' Sample Analogue Curation Facility.
What you will do:
- Prepare and characterise geological, mineral, soil and regolith samples.
- Operate, calibrate and complete routine checks on analytical and sample-preparation equipment.
- Record, quality-check and report analytical results clearly.
- Maintain sample traceability, storage, inventory and laboratory records.
- Keep procedures, calibration logs and maintenance schedules up to date.
- Resolve routine equipment issues and coordinate specialist support when needed.
- Support facility users, instrument bookings and safe laboratory operations.
- Manage consumables, suppliers and improvements to laboratory workflows.
What you will bring:
- A relevant qualification or equivalent training and laboratory experience in geology, geochemistry, analytical chemistry, materials science or a related field.
- Hands-on experience preparing and characterising geological or comparable materials.
- Experience operating, calibrating and maintaining analytical laboratory equipment.
- Ability to follow safety procedures, maintain accurate records and produce clear technical reports.
- An organised, detail-focused approach and confidence working in an international team.
- Professional written and spoken English.
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
It would be an advantage if you also have:
- Experience with SEM/EDS, XRD, XRF, FTIR or Raman spectroscopy.
- Familiarity with ImageJ, MATLAB, Origin or similar software.
- Experience with planetary science, analogue samples or materials characterisation.
- Experience supporting laboratory users or managing sample traceability and inventory.
Role information:
This full-time role is based mainly on-site at ESA-ECSAT in Harwell. You will use laboratory PPE, handle samples and chemicals safely, and meet site security requirements. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Contract, salary, working pattern and relocation details will be shared during recruitment.
DE&I:
At Serco, every voice matters. We welcome different perspectives, value individual contributions and work together to support our people, customers and communities.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary and company benefits.
- Relocation support, subject to individual circumstances.
- Public transport reimbursement.
- Access to ECSAT sports and recreation facilities.
- Company pension contribution and team events.
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Laboratory Technician - Planetary Materials & Geochemistry in Harwell employer: Serco Group
Serco is an exceptional employer that prioritises the protection of data as a core value, ensuring trust and integrity in its operations across various critical public services. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including a company car or allowance, and a commitment to employee growth through flexible working arrangements, Serco fosters a collaborative work culture where every team member can influence strategic decisions and contribute to meaningful change. As a Disability Confident Leader and Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, Serco champions diversity and equal opportunities, making it an attractive workplace for all.
