Laboratory Technician (Biology) Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) - Harper Adams University

Department: Science Apprenticeship – Biology L6

Location: Newport

Compensation: £14,981 – £15,685 / year

Description

Harper Adams University is a welcoming, forward‑thinking community of over 600 employees working together to create real, lasting impact – ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can access sustainable food, land, and animal systems. Our work contributes directly to planetary health, animal welfare and ultimately human wellbeing. We’re passionate about what we do – and about the people we do it with.

We are deeply committed to the wellbeing and development of our colleagues. Our annual employee survey consistently tells us that staff are proud to work here, feel trusted to do their jobs, and are supported by their managers. Our inclusive and empowering culture is one of the many reasons our people stay, grow, and thrive.

Harper Adams is the UK’s leading specialist institution serving the agri‑food, animal wellbeing, engineering and land management sectors. We are a world‑respected provider of industry‑led education and research in food production and technology, animal health, environmental sustainability and sustainable business. Our work is grounded through partnerships – with more than 1,100 organisations in the UK and beyond – that fuel our research, shape our teaching, and deliver genuine impact.

Our rural campus near Newport in Shropshire is supported by a growing site in Telford, offering a range of housing options and excellent rail and road connections to the West Midlands and beyond. We’ve invested more than £50 million in our estate in the last decade – including leading‑edge teaching, research and veterinary facilities, modern laboratories, and a purpose‑built Veterinary Services Centre. Our commercial farm spans 494 hectares and plays an active role in our education, research, and knowledge exchange.

We are proud to be the UK’s highest‑ranked small specialist provider for the agri‑food and animal wellbeing sectors, consistently delivering the largest cohort of graduates into these industries – with over 97 per cent going directly into employment. We currently welcome over 3,000 full‑ and part‑time students across undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including subjects like agricultural engineering, veterinary nursing, business, land and property management, and veterinary medicine and surgery – the latter delivered through the Harper & Keele Veterinary School, established in 2020.

Take a virtual tour of the campus here: Virtual Tour

Location

Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB

The Package

• Starting salary is £24,344 – £25,448 pro rata (£14,981 – £15,685 actual) per annum
• Term time only, working 32 weeks per year
• 37 hours per week
• Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (flexibility required)
• 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 8 university closure days during the year
• Flexible, agile working (where appropriate)
• Holiday purchase scheme
• On‑campus retail, catering and gym facilities
• Free staff parking
• Enhanced maternity and sickness benefits
• Disability confident employer status
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle scheme supporter
• Workwear provided (where applicable)
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

What will I be doing as a Laboratory Technician Degree apprentice?

The laboratories team, based in the Princess Margaret Laboratories and Elizabeth Creak Building is a central service support team responsible for the provision of laboratory services to the University.

We ensure the provision of practical classes to taught students and support to research students and staff in four key subject areas: Soils and Environmental Science; Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Animal Health; General Biology; Nutrition. We are a happy team consisting of 12 permanent staff with different professional backgrounds and experiences. We also have two placement students.

You will begin as a Laboratory Technician (Level 4). Upon completing key stages of the degree apprenticeship and demonstrating satisfactory performance, you will progress to Level 5 and level 6, becoming a Senior Laboratory Technician. Each level reflects increased complexity and responsibility!

General Responsibilities

• Support day‑to‑day running, safety, and cleanliness of laboratories.
• Handle, store, and dispose of biological specimens (fresh, dried, frozen, or preserved) safely and in compliance with regulations.
• Maintain and operate biological and analytical equipment following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare, set up, and clear away materials and specimens for practical classes.
• Source and collect teaching materials such as weeds and anatomical specimens.
• Liaise with tutors to interpret practical class requests, advise on resources, and manage requisitions.
• Assist with and occasionally deliver practical demonstrations.
• Support laboratory inductions and basic skills training for students and staff.
• Participate in team meetings, health and safety inspections, and daily lock‑up routines.
• Maintain inventories, procure supplies, and communicate with suppliers and external contacts.
• Undertake relevant training and work toward/maintain professional registration (e.g., RSci).

Grade 4 – Support Technician Responsibilities

• Provide routine technical assistance under supervision.
• Follow established procedures for equipment use, safety, and specimen handling.
• Assist with class preparation, demonstrations, and simple laboratory analyses.
• Support research and teaching activities as directed.
• Check and follow risk and COSHH assessments.

Grade 5 – Experienced Technician Responsibilities

• Work more independently in managing laboratory operations and resources.
• Demonstrate and supervise students during practical classes, explaining methods and underlying theory.
• Contribute to developing and adapting techniques for teaching and research.
• Support and deliver laboratory inductions and skills training sessions.
• Conduct laboratory analyses to a publishable standard.
• Advise tutors on class design and resource optimisation.

Grade 6 – Senior Technician Responsibilities

• Take a lead role in laboratory management, including safety, maintenance, and operational planning.
• Develop and maintain SOPs; author and approve risk and COSHH assessments.
• Supervise placement students and casual staff, including training, task allocation, and performance feedback.
• Design and deliver advanced technical training and inductions.
• Anticipate and plan for teaching and research needs, managing procurement proactively.
• Develop and validate analytical techniques to support research and teaching innovation.
• Provide expert advice to academic staff and collaborate across departments and institutions.
• Hold or actively maintain professional registration (e.g., RSci).

What could the future look like?

There’s no limit to what you can achieve while working with Harper Adams University. They’re looking for someone who wants to play a key part in that long term. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full‑time position with the business at the end of your apprenticeship.

Through practical ‘on‑the‑job’ training you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills to provide competency and responsibility in carrying out testing and to help develop your career. You can look forward to a range of potential career paths in industries such as construction, engineering, aerospace, automotive or research and development. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the quality and reliability of materials used in various sectors!

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

About you

To succeed in this role, you\’ll be curious, inquisitive and eager to develop fundamental technical skills in a scientific field.

You’ll be motivated, independent and driven by a growth mindset with a self‑reflective approach to learning.

You’ll have a keen interest in Biology and particular interests in weeds, pests, diseases of UK crops, farm animals and/or anatomy will be beneficial!

Essential skills and experience

• Part of this role will involve occasionally working with large abattoir specimens, so you must be physically fit and comfortable with heavy lifting.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on maintaining accurate records.
• Appreciation for health & safety protocols in a laboratory setting.
• Excellent communication and organisation skills.
• Resilient, personable and capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
• Previous laboratory experience is beneficial!

Qualifications

• A-Level (or equivalent) in Biology

Please note, due to the nature of this position you must be aged 18+, hold a full UK driving licence, live within a 45‑minute commute to site and be willing and able to undertake some heavy lifting.

What is a Degree Apprenticeship?

Our Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6) are designed to provide scientists in the making with a head start in their chosen career. Giving you the best of both worlds, you’ll receive a recognised and accredited qualification whilst obtaining hands on practical experience.

Why Tiro?

At Tiro, we’ve partnered with Middlesex University to offer a variety of degree apprenticeship programs in the field of science including Laboratory Science. Our programs are designed to give you the best of both worlds: academic learning and practical training that will set you up for success in your chosen career path.

Our programs are designed to offer an alternative to graduate schemes, providing opportunities for ambitious and driven individuals with exceptional talent in STEM to progress their careers while also earning a salary.

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 33 months, you will develop your knowledge and skills in your chosen field to become a leader pushing development, knowledge generation and innovation.

You will be provided with 6 hours per week by your employer to conduct learning and training during working hours. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments).

You’ll be trained by a team of expert tutors from Tiro as well as an experienced workplace mentor at Harper Adams University who, together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.

Entry Requirements

There are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet to be eligible for apprenticeship funding, these are rules set by the UK Government.

You’ll need to be over 18, not in full time education (at time of enrolment), have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.

Alongside this you will need to have a minimum of Level 3 qualifications (A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent) AND relevant work experience or lab based experience.

As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our degree 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 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 programs are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.