Assistant Technician

University-of-Salford; Salford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

32 days leave + holidays

Flexible working

Professional development

Diversity and belonging

Job summary

The University of Salford is seeking a proactive Assistant Technician to support bioscience and chemical science teaching and research in Cockcroft laboratories on Peel Park campus. This entry‑level role focuses on practical laboratory work and day‑to‑day operational support in a busy university lab service.

You will undertake a funded Level 6 Laboratory Scientist apprenticeship over about four years, developing practical skills while completing the apprenticeship pathway in biological or

Qualifications

• Entry-level role focusing on practical laboratory work and day-to-day operational support.
• Opportunity to develop practical laboratory skills in a university setting.
• Role supports teaching and research across Life and Chemical Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Routine preparation: aliquoting, labeling, plate pouring.
• Prepare equipment and consumables for student workstations.
• Support laboratory set-up, turnaround, and waste processing.
• Glassware washing and routine laboratory checks.
• Organise workload and complete routine activities to standard.

Skills

Lab techniques

Safety protocols

Education

Level 6 Laboratory Scientist apprenticeship

Tools

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

Opportunity Overview

Please note this role sits within the Faculty of Health, Community and Life Sciences

We are seeking a motivated and capable Assistant Technician in the areas of bioscience and chemical science. This is a practical, entry-level technical role focused on providing day-to-day operational support within a higher education laboratory service. The role is suited to someone looking to develop practical laboratory skills and build a career within a technical environment, whether they are starting their career or moving into technical work from another area.

The post will currently be based primarily within the Cockcroft laboratories on the University's Peel Park campus, where the technical team supports teaching and research across Life Sciences and Chemical Sciences. This includes practical teaching and research activity from undergraduate level through to MSc and PhD provision, providing experience across a varied university laboratory environment.

As an integral part of the role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake and successfully complete a fully funded Level 6 Laboratory Scientist apprenticeship in either biological sciences or chemical sciences. The apprenticeship is expected to take approximately four years to complete and is equivalent in level to a bachelor's degree (e.g. BSc). Applicants must be eligible for apprenticeship funding, which includes having sufficient new learning to complete through the programme.

Working as part of the wider Faculty technical team, the post-holder will provide hands‑on, routine operational support within teaching laboratories and, where required, research laboratories and field‑based activities. Technical staff work collaboratively across different areas, sharing skills and supporting activities in line with service needs.

Day‑to‑day activities will include routine preparation such as aliquoting, labelling and plate pouring, preparing equipment and consumables for student workstations, supporting laboratory set‑up and turnaround, waste processing, glassware washing and routine laboratory checks. These activities provide the underpinning support that helps ensure our laboratories are safe, organised, stocked and ready for teaching and research.

The Assistant Technician will receive training and support to carry out the activities required for the role and will be expected to organise their allocated workload and take responsibility for completing routine activities to the required standard. They will work closely with Technicians and Senior Technicians, who will provide technical guidance where required, while contributing to the day‑to‑day operation of the wider technical service.

Some teaching involves live animals, animal‑derived materials and preserved or deceased specimens, including fish and small mammals. You will need to be comfortable handling these materials appropriately and supporting the preparation and cleaning of laboratories used for these sessions.

Alongside the substantive Grade 4 role, the Level 6 apprenticeship will provide structured learning and development, allowing the post‑holder to build their scientific knowledge, technical understanding and wider professional skills. This is a fixed‑term development post for the duration of the Level 6 apprenticeship, including the required assessment period.

We aim to create an inspirational, inclusive working environment, celebrating the diversity of our university community. At Salford you'll be encouraged to innovate, be courageous and unstoppable, to ensure we're all working to a shared goal of delivering a great experience for our students and wider community. Through an active and robust Technician Commitment, we strive to develop the visibility, recognition, sustainability and career development of each one of our technicians, providing growth opportunities to become the person you want to be.

Please note this opportunity may close early depending on application volumes

Please be aware of the following:

• This opportunity may close early if sufficient applications are received.

• Completion of the Level 6 apprenticeship is an integral requirement of this role. Applicants must therefore be eligible for apprenticeship funding and have sufficient new learning remaining within either the biological sciences or chemical sciences apprenticeship pathway. Previous qualifications and relevant work experience will be considered against the chosen apprenticeship pathway. Having an existing degree or higher‑level qualification does not necessarily prevent you from applying where the apprenticeship would provide sufficient new learning. Eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

• Applicants must have sufficient time available under their right‑to‑work and immigration status to complete the full apprenticeship, including the assessment period. Eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment and apprenticeship enrolment process.

• Applicants are encouraged to review the Apprenticeship Funding Rules 2026 to 2027 before applying.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary - and excellent pension scheme

• An impressive 32 days leave - plus bank holidays, additional time off at Christmas and the opportunity to buy even more!

• Flexible working - we support a culture of flexible and agile working to help you find the right balance

• Professional development - we offer a comprehensive package of training and development opportunities to help you achieve your full potential

• Our community - there's a real sense of belonging here at Salford. We value diversity, in backgrounds and in experiences. Our difference makes us stronger, and together we share a passion for improving students' lives

• The Perks! - MySalford, our online employee portal offers a wide range of lifestyle benefits and discounts