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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle, process, and ship samples to support vital health research.
- Company: Join UK Biobank, a leader in global health research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, healthcare cash plan, and professional development funds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health research while growing your career.
- Qualifications: BSc in life sciences or equivalent lab experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 31000 £ per year.
Laboratory Technician
Application Deadline: 28 September 2025
Department: Lab
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Cheadle
Reporting To: Laboratory Supervisor
Compensation: £27,557 / year
Description
Where can you have a direct impact on health research happening across the globe? At UK Biobank, that’s where. UK Biobank is helping to pioneer new pathways in health, believing that people have the right to live longer and more fulfilling lives. We’re a team aiming to make a difference to millions of people on this planet – and an employer who cares passionately about the diverse range of professionals who have come together to drive our incredible journey. This role is pivotal to that journey.
Can you do it?
The world’s largest Biobank is undergoing a significant transformation to meet increasing scientific research demand. This includes a move to the prestigious Manchester Science Park involving the relocation of >10million samples and the setting up of a new sample processing and storage facility with the aim of supplying >1 million samples for health research each year. Due to an increase in our workload and the upcoming move, we are hiring for Laboratory Technicians to join our team. These roles are responsible for handling, processing, storing and shipping UK Biobank samples and performing associated activities to support the operation of the laboratory. Your principal duties will include:
Responsibilities
- Receipt and aliquot new samples coming into the resource
- Pick samples from automated stores, freezers or LN2 tanks
- Extract/normalise/reformat samples using automated liquid handling systems
- Perform quality control checks on samples
- Ship samples
- Perform location audits
- Pick samples from participant withdrawals destructions
- Perform consolidation of samples across sample storage locations
- Support audits against standards held by UK Biobank (i.e. ISO9001)
- Work to high standards for behaviour within the lab/ good laboratory practice
- Identify areas for improvement (i.e. feedback sessions, change requests)
- Input to updates of laboratory documentation (SOPs, COSHH and Risk Assessments etc)
Is this ‘You’?
Reporting to the Senior Laboratory team, you’ll have a BSc in a relevant life sciences discipline or equivalent laboratory and experience of;
- Working in a laboratory in a professional setting
- Working to the requirements of a relevant ISO standard (e.g. ISO9001, ISO17025, ISO15189, ISO27001), GxP or equivalent
- Using a LIMS product or equivalent complex information system supporting scientific work
- Using automated liquid handling and/or storage systems
- Shipping biological samples
- Communicating with team members effectively
- Using Microsoft Office including – Word and Excel
Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.
Your Wellbeing Matters to Us
We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance – right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:
- 26 Days’ Annual Leave – Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
- Holiday Buy Scheme – Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
- Birthday Leave – Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
- USS Pension Scheme – Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
- Healthcare Cash Plan – Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
- Enhanced Family Leave – Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on a new bike and accessories.
- Season Ticket Loan – Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.
- Professional Subscriptions – Reimbursement where applicable.
- Learning budget – Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
- Subsidised Canteen Lunches – Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
- Free Car Parking – On-site parking available for staff.
- Employee Discounts Portal – Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
- Employee Assistance Programme – Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
- Annual Flu Vaccination – Stay protected with free flu jabs.
- Life Assurance Cover – Financial protection for your loved ones.
The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.
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Laboratory Technician employer: UK Biobank Limited
Contact Detail:
UK Biobank Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UK Biobank on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common lab technician questions. We recommend setting up mock interviews with friends or using online resources to get comfortable with your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for health research during the interview. Talk about why you want to work at UK Biobank and how you can contribute to their mission of making a difference in people's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Laboratory Technician role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in lab settings and any ISO standards you've worked with. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about health research and how you can contribute to our mission at UK Biobank. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since you'll be working closely with others, it's important to demonstrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked in teams before and contributed to a positive lab environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at UK Biobank. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Biobank Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of laboratory practices and the specific techniques mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with ISO standards and automated systems, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since communication is key in a lab environment, be ready to discuss how you've effectively worked in teams before. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with colleagues to achieve common goals or improve processes.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the lab's operations, the upcoming move to Manchester Science Park, and how the team supports health research. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Highlight your experience with quality control checks and documentation updates. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work, as this is vital for maintaining high standards in the lab.