Chemical and Biological Lab Technician

Salary: £29,588 with progression to £31,236 per annum

Are you a hands‑on laboratory professional looking to play a vital role in supporting world‑class teaching and research? The School of Engineering at Newcastle University is seeking a motivated and proactive Chemical and Biological Laboratory Technician to join our friendly and highly skilled technical team within the School of Engineering.

As part of a collaborative technical team, you will help ensure our laboratories run smoothly, safely, and effectively. Your work will directly support students, researchers, and academic staff, helping them deliver high‑quality experimental work.

• Preparing laboratories, equipment, and consumables for teaching and research activities
• Supporting and guiding students during lab sessions
• Delivering training and practical guidance on laboratory techniques and best practice
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring facilities are well organised
• Managing stock, ordering consumables, and maintaining accurate inventories
• Supporting health and safety processes, including risk assessments, SOPs, and waste management
• Supporting fieldwork and sample collection, working alongside researchers at off‑site locations

We are looking for someone who enjoys practical problem‑solving and takes pride in keeping lab environments running efficiently.

• Experience working in a chemical or biological laboratory environment
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures, including COSHH and risk assessments
• Experience supporting lab operations such as equipment maintenance, stock control, or lab preparation
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• A positive, flexible approach and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Good communication skills, with confidence supporting students and colleagues
• Experience with microbiological or molecular techniques and field sampling would be advantageous but not essential

• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment
• Gain exposure to a wide range of laboratory techniques and equipment
• Contribute to impactful teaching and research activities
• Have opportunities to develop your technical skills and career

Benefits include an excellent pension, flexible working options, 42 days holiday (including public holidays and 4 University closure days), discounted travel for the Metro and local bus services, and discounts for national retailers.

This is a full‑time, open‑ended position.

• To support the operation of the laboratories to ensure effective use and availability for teaching and research. Assist with the training of staff and students in appropriate laboratory techniques and best practice to ensure that they are able to carry out their work in a safe and effective way
• To monitor the satisfactory operation of laboratory equipment, reporting any defects to the relevant senior technician or technical team leader. Assist in the operation of, and perform preventative maintenance and calibration on equipment and instruments, using standard operating procedures (SOPs), user manuals, manufacturers’ instructions and diagrams
• To be responsible for keeping up to date with relevant health and safety (H&S) legislation, codes of practice and regulations to ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. In conjunction with the technical team, monitor compliance of staff and students with all statutory and local safety arrangements
• To assist the technical team with the development and monitoring of H&S paperwork such as risk assessments and SOPs. Maintain up to date records of any H&S issues, maintenance etc
• To support the general running of core technical services, including maintaining inventories, organising lab coat laundry, hazardous waste disposal, monitoring gas and cryogenics use, and maintenance of facilities
• To contribute to regular team meetings, health and safety processes and laboratory audits
• To determine laboratory requirements, and initiate purchase orders following school and university procedures to ensure adequate availability…