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 ISO 17025:2017), 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.

• 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

• 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 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  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.

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.

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. (
* Please do not submit a cover letter)

1. Please share an example from a laboratory or practical working environment where you noticed a potential risk, inconsistency, or error. What steps did you take, and what did the experience help you learn or improve going forward?

2. What helps you thrive and continue developing within an organisation over time? Please share the factors that support your engagement, wellbeing, and contribution at work.

3. 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?

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus…