At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct hands-on lab work in polymer science and surface chemistry.
- Company: SPT Labtech, a leading life-science company based in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive internship salary, mentorship, and professional reference upon completion.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and gain valuable industry exposure.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human health research through innovative consumables.
- Qualifications: Studying or recently graduated in Chemistry or related field with lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
We're looking for a talented chemistry undergraduate or graduate to join our consumables team for a 3-month summer internship as a Quality Control Technician at the intersection of polymer science, surface chemistry, and precision measurement. You'll be trusted with real investigative work from day one: characterising hydrophobicity, running volumetric and liquid-recovery studies, and helping build the technical case for the next generation of low-retention consumables. If you want to see how laboratory chemistry translates into products that accelerate human health research, this is where it happens.
Based in Cambridge, UK, SPT Labtech makes products that transform the way scientists work. For more than two decades, our expert scientists, engineers, and business innovators have delivered world-leading solutions for liquid handling, sample preparation, and sample management that help accelerate research and make a real difference to human health. We work collaboratively with our customers, building trusted relationships that enable us to deliver exceptional, personalised experiences designed for real-world lab challenges. This internship is an opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience inside a fast-growing life-science company where quality is central to everything we make.
A significant focus of this role is the surface behaviour of our consumables, particularly how surface properties influence liquid retention, sample recovery, and dispensing accuracy. Our tips interact with aqueous samples in ways that are directly governed by surface chemistry and micro-geometry: parameters such as contact angle, wetting behaviour, surface energy, and bore-surface finish all affect how reliably a tip aspirates and dispenses. Understanding and characterising these properties is central to how we develop and validate new consumable formats.
You will have the opportunity to investigate how surface modification techniques can be used to engineer the hydrophobicity and low-retention characteristics of polypropylene surfaces. This includes evaluating the performance impact of surface changes through controlled volumetric testing, contact angle measurement, and comparative liquid-recovery studies across tip variants. Where modifications show improvement, you will support the documentation of new test methods and contribute to the technical case for their adoption. This is a hands-on, lab-based role at the intersection of polymer science, surface chemistry, and precision measurement. You will be trusted with real, investigative work from day one.
We are looking for a curious, detail-oriented chemistry student or recent graduate who is eager to apply laboratory science in an industrial quality context.
- Essential: Studying towards (or recently completed) a BSc or MChem in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Hands-on laboratory experience — from university practicals, a placement, or independent research.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and an understanding of measurement accuracy and repeatability.
- Confident using Microsoft Word and Excel for recording and analysing data.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, proactive attitude.
- Desirable (but not essential): Familiarity with volumetric or gravimetric analysis, or precision liquid-handling techniques.
- Understanding of polymer chemistry and liquid–surface interactions (e.g. wetting, surface tension, bore-geometry effects on dispensing).
- Exposure to quality frameworks such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, or GMP/GLP environments.
- Experience with statistical process control (SPC), control charts, or capability analysis.
- Previous industrial placement or laboratory work experience.
Mentorship from experienced Science and Manufacturing Engineering professionals. Exposure to ISO 9001:2015 quality systems and industry-standard documentation practices. Experience with precision analytical instrumentation and volumetric test rigs. A clear understanding of how chemistry knowledge is applied in a regulated manufacturing setting. Certificate of completion and a professional reference on successful completion of the internship.
You will be working with talented professionals in a motivated and driven team. We offer a competitive internship salary, a welcoming onboarding programme, and the chance to contribute to work that genuinely makes a difference to science. We embrace diversity and inclusivity regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, or family status. We actively support the diverse needs of everyone on our team.
Quality Control Technician - Summer Internship in Cambridge employer: SPT Labtech
SPT Labtech is an exceptional employer located in Cambridge, UK, offering a unique opportunity for chemistry undergraduates and graduates to gain hands-on experience in a fast-growing life-science company. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, employees benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, exposure to industry-standard practices, and a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. This internship not only provides practical skills but also contributes to meaningful advancements in human health research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Control Technician - Summer Internship in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university's alumni or professionals in the field. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your lab experience. We want to see how your skills can translate into real-world applications, so be ready to share specific examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at SPT Labtech.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Control Technician - Summer Internship in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Chemistry:Let your enthusiasm for chemistry shine through in your application. Talk about your hands-on lab experiences and how they relate to the role of a Quality Control Technician. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the work you'll be doing!
Be Detail-Oriented:Since attention to detail is key in this role, make sure to highlight any relevant experiences where you demonstrated this skill. Whether it’s through university projects or previous internships, we want to know how you ensure accuracy and reliability in your work.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Mention your familiarity with polymer chemistry and any relevant techniques you've used. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do before you hit 'send'!
How to prepare for a job interview at SPT Labtech
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your knowledge of polymer science and surface chemistry. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the role, especially regarding liquid retention and sample recovery. Showing that you understand the technical aspects will impress the interviewers.
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Prepare to talk about your hands-on laboratory experience. Whether it's from university practicals or independent research, be specific about what techniques you've used and how they relate to the tasks you'll be doing as a Quality Control Technician.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since this role requires precision, be prepared to give examples of how you've ensured accuracy in your work. Discuss any experiences with measurement accuracy and repeatability, and how you’ve tackled challenges in those areas.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of projects you might work on, or how the company implements quality frameworks. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
