Assistant Laboratory Analyst

SLR Consulting; Baldhu; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Private medical insurance

Life, income, and travel insurance

Salary sacrifice car lease

Job summary

SLR Consulting in Baldhu, Cornwall, is seeking an Assistant Laboratory Analyst to join its Analytical Team at Wheal Jane Earth Science Park. You will assist with the preparation of ore samples for elemental analysis and support daily lab operations.

This full-time role involves cleaning, stock management and routine laboratory maintenance. Typical hours are 08:30–16:30, with flexibility to meet operational demands as required. Training is provided for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Effective time management and organisational abilities.
• The ability to carry out quality control tests accurately and efficiently.
• A safe and responsible approach to laboratory work.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• An understanding of the commercial importance of laboratory outputs and the ability to prioritise work accordingly.
• A minimum qualification of GCSE (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science.

Responsibilities

• Preparing ore, metallurgical and test work samples for analysis.
• Cleaning, maintaining and organising laboratory work areas to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
• Washing, drying and storing laboratory equipment, glassware and consumables.
• Preparing laboratory reagents, solutions and consumables for use by Analytical Chemists.
• Assisting laboratory staff with routine sample preparation and analytical support activities.
• Monitoring and replenishing laboratory consumables and chemical stocks.
• Disposing of chemicals and laboratory waste safely and in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintaining, calibrating and cleaning laboratory equipment.
• Entering sample information into the laboratory tracking system.
• Supporting the wider Analytical Team with day-to-day laboratory operations as required.

Skills

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

Record keeping

Independent work

Communication

Education

GCSE English/Math/Science

Job description

SLR Consulting is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join Europe's leading Mineral Processing Testing Facility as an Assistant Laboratory Analyst within our Analytical Team.

The successful candidate will assist with the preparation of test work and ore samples for elemental analysis whilst supporting the day-to-day operation of the Analytical Laboratory through cleaning, housekeeping, stock management and laboratory maintenance activities. This is a full-time position, typically working 08:30 to 16:30, although flexibility may be required to meet operational demands.

Location: Wheal Jane Earth Science Park, Baldhu, Truro, TR3 6EE

Please note that the laboratory is not easily accessible by public transport. Applicants should carefully consider their commuting arrangements before applying.

The Assistant Laboratory Analyst role is a hands‑on support position that is critical to the smooth operation of a busy analytical laboratory. A significant proportion of the role involves maintaining laboratory standards through housekeeping, cleaning, stock management, preparation of consumables, and assisting Analytical Chemists with routine laboratory activities. Candidates should be comfortable undertaking practical support tasks and understand that this is not solely an analytical testing role.

Rewards & Benefits

SLR's 'One Team' culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment where people can develop and grow. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and support towards chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer excellent opportunities for long‑term career progression. Our flexible benefits and reward package includes:

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Life, income, and travel insurance
• Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle-to-work schemes
• Flexible, hybrid and agile working
• 25 days' annual leave plus flexible public holidays
• Buy or sell leave options
• Core working hours
• Cross-border remote working and sabbatical opportunities
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay
• Workplace Nursery benefit
• Volunteering and Community Giving
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause - supporting our people both professionally and personally

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing ore, metallurgical and test work samples for analysis.
• Cleaning, maintaining and organising laboratory work areas to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
• Washing, drying and storing laboratory equipment, glassware and consumables.
• Preparing laboratory reagents, solutions and consumables for use by Analytical Chemists.
• Assisting laboratory staff with routine sample preparation and analytical support activities.
• Monitoring and replenishing laboratory consumables and chemical stocks.
• Disposing of chemicals and laboratory waste safely and in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintaining, calibrating and cleaning laboratory equipment.
• Entering sample information into the laboratory tracking system.
• Supporting the wider Analytical Team with day-to-day laboratory operations as required.

Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Effective time management and organisational abilities.
• The ability to carry out quality control tests accurately and efficiently.
• A safe and responsible approach to laboratory work.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• An understanding of the commercial importance of laboratory outputs and the ability to prioritise work accordingly.
• A minimum qualification of GCSE (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science.

Previous laboratory experience would be advantageous but is not essential, as full training will be provided.

Culture & Inclusion

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.