Laboratory Assistant

Salary - £26,206 - £27,808 Permanent. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early. Are you fascinated by life sciences or chemistry and eager to get hands-on experience in a lab? Do you care about the environment and want to use your skills to contribute to meaningful research?

We have an exciting opportunity for an entry-level Laboratory Assistant to join our Analytical Chemistry Group in Lancaster. This is a unique opportunity to analyse inorganic, organic and stable isotope analytes in a wide range of environmental samples, contributing to the understanding of a multitude of environmental questions.

You’ll be working in world-class laboratories (accredited to ISO17025:2017), using cutting-edge instruments and contributing to the delivery of high-quality chemistry data, analysis, and results for a wide range of science areas. You will be joining an established, diverse, and busy team where you will be responsible for sample preparation, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of a pool of analytical instruments. This role would suit someone who has excellent attention to detail and enjoys working in a methodical manner, within a controlled environment.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Preparing materials, equipment, and resources for laboratory analyses
• Sample management and preparation (drying, weighing, grinding), sample extraction and clean up
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments used in the analysis of alkalinity, pH, TC and TN, etc.
• Procurement - purchasing general equipment and reagents
• Uploading data into Microsoft Excel, plotting, and calculating results
• General laboratory housekeeping duties including: safe storage of chemicals, maintaining a safe and tidy laboratory environment, washing and cleaning of instruments, ensuring the supply of consumable items, stock rotation, waste disposal
• Adherence to COSHH and Risk Assessment guidelines

For the role of Laboratory Assistant, we’re looking for somebody who has:

• A keen interest in chemistry and life sciences
• Previous experience working in a busy laboratory, preparing and managing samples
• The ability to work independently, with good time management skills
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
• A team-oriented approach and be able to work collaboratively with others
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Knowledge of health and safety best practice within a laboratory environment, or able to follow health and safety protocols

In return we are fully committed to the development of our employees which is why you will be given full support with your ongoing learning and development and receive comprehensive training and full PPE. You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

How to Apply: If this role feels like a good fit for you, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply by submitting your CV and a Supporting Statement, following the guidance below.

Supporting Statement: Please respond to the questions below, using up to 150 words per question. Where possible, include specific examples that highlight your personal contribution and impact.

• From your career to date which specific skills do you feel are most transferable to working with analytical instruments
• When you think about staying long-term in a role, what are the key factors that help you feel engaged, valued, and committed?
• Tell us about a time you worked through a technical or practical problem with more than one possible cause. How did you decide where to focus your attention, and what approach did you take?

Working for UKCEH is rewarding. We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today! If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone - regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance - has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process - please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.