Dyehouse Laboratory Assistant

Posted Thursday 23 July 2026 at 00:00 | Expires Thursday 6 August 2026 at 23:59

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Dyehouse Laboratory Assistant to join our Dyehouse team. This vacancy is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to build a career within a textile dyehouse laboratory. The role offers the chance to work closely with designers, customers, and production teams to create and develop bespoke colours for a wide range of products.

You will gain practical experience in colour matching, dye application, laboratory testing, and textile processing while working with industry-standard equipment and procedures.

If you have a keen eye for colour, a passion for quality, and a commitment to health and safety, this is an excellent opportunity to join a skilled and supportive team.

This is a full-time, permanent position, working shifts on a rotational basis (day and back shift, with nights added after the initial training period). The working hours are as follows:

• Day shift:
  Monday to Thursday, 0600 am to 0200 pm and Friday, 0600 am to 1200 pm
• Back shift:
  Monday to Wednesday, 0200 pm to 0000, and Thursday, 0200 pm to 1000 pm
• There will be a requirement to work night shift on occasion, Sunday 1100 pm to Monday 0600 am; then Tuesday to Thursday 1000 pm to 0600 am.

Due to some of the equipment used, this role is not suitable for anyone with a pacemaker.

Rate of pay for this role is £13.45 per hour, along with shift pay allowance.

Working closely with the Design team and other departments, you will operate specialist laboratory equipment, prepare dye recipes, produce colour samples, and assist in developing accurate shade matches. You will also ensure laboratory equipment is maintained to a high standard by cleaning and preparing machinery between uses.

• Develop colour recipes for new and existing products.
• Prepare laboratory dye trials using a variety of dyes and chemical auxiliaries, ensuring precise weighing and formulation to achieve accurate and consistent colour matches.
• Providing technical support to the Dyehouse team.
• Conduct colour fastness and quality tests where required.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment at all times.
• Use spectrophotometer equipment to help with shade development and shade matching.
• Reviewing the schedule and keeping up with demand.
• Work effectively with other departments to troubleshoot colour issues.
• Be part of and drive continuous improvement projects.

We're looking for someone who is organised, reliable and enjoys working with precision. You will have a keen eye for detail and take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to follow detailed procedures and instructions.
• A methodical approach to problem solving.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to prioritise workloads in a fast-paced environment.
• A willingness to learn specialist laboratory processes and equipment.
• A positive attitude with a flexible approach to work.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of housekeeping and Health & Safety.

HNC/HND in a science-based subject , or previous experience in a laboratory, textile, dyehouse or manufacturing environment would be an advantage, although full training will be provided for the right candidate in all aspects of the role. This includes colour matching, shade development, spectrophotometer operation and fastness testing. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills within a luxury textile dyehouse, with ongoing training and career development opportunities available.

Founded in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is an innovative, luxury clothing brand celebrating 225 years of experience in working with the world’s finest fibres. Across three centuries, our family-owned company has carefully sources cashmere and fine woollen fibres from around the world, applying the latest technology and highest quality craft expertise in our very own vertical Scottish mills. Employing over 1,000…