Biology Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Precision for Medicine

Department: Bioscience

Location: Royston

Compensation: £18,500 / year

Description

Location: 2A Orchard Rd, Royston SG8 5HD

Working for Precision for Medicine

Precision for Medicine began in 2012 because we believed there was a transformational opportunity to improve the process of bringing new and targeted drugs to market. As our name implies, our particular focus is utilizing the methods and technologies of precision medicine to help developers reduce time, cost and hopefully, improve the success rate for delivering life-changing new treatments to patients. We are actively seeking passionate individuals with a keen interest in biology to join our team of budding scientists in the making. Whether you're a fresh school leaver or someone driven by a genuine passion for biology, we encourage you to apply. Our apprenticeship program is designed to provide comprehensive training, making prior experience unnecessary. Join us on a transformative journey where you'll learn and grow within the exciting field of biology.

The Package

At Tiro, we make great things happen for people. And that starts with you. In this role you’ll receive:

• Starting salary of £18,500 per year (increasing to National Living Wage after 12 months if applicable)
• Working hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Company pension scheme
• Annual Leave
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

What will I be doing as Laboratory Technician Apprentice?

The apprentice is responsible for receiving, inventory and processing fresh patient samples and nonclinical samples to tissue block. They will be trained to perform basic support for immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. Additionally, this role will include laboratory housekeeping and organisation, preparation of associated laboratory reagents, managing biosample inventory and helping other scientists with assays as required.

Essential functions of the job include but are not limited to:

• Receive inventory and process fresh biological samples
• Receive and inventory all incoming fresh biological samples into electronic LIMS database
• Perform tissue processing
• Prepare all reagents used in lab
• Create and perform first data entry into data collection sheets
• Perform equipment preventive maintenance
• Effectively manage UK biosample inventory
• Assist in setting up automated IHC assays
• Maintain accurate, up to date records (lab and timesheet)
• Health & Safety compliance

What could the future look like?

When you join Precision for Medicine, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship. Through practical training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory testing. This apprenticeship program serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech). This program unlocks a multitude of career paths, granting you access to diverse organisations across various sectors. This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement. You may choose to pursue higher-level qualifications through one of our Degree Apprenticeships such as Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Bioscience. Rest assured, your hard work and determination will not go unnoticed!

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

About You

We are looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. Someone who demonstrates an ability to learn quickly and absorb new skills and is capable of following instructions and procedures accurately and in a timely and efficient manner. Be prepared for a challenge as you take on activities to ensure the targets are met, whilst standards are upheld to ensure the safety of your team and working environment. You’ll have excellent attention to detail, careful documentation skills and must work well in a group environment. To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!

Please note, due to the nature of this position, you must be aged 18+, hold a driving license and be able to reliably commute to site within 45 minutes.

Experience

We’re not just interested in experience and qualifications; we’re looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at Precision for Medicine.

Qualifications

It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!

So how does the apprenticeship work?

At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board. Over 21 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Precision for Medicine who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career. Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment. The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!

Eligibility

While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government. As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise. If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway. You’ll need to be over 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.