Balance Operator

ALS; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive Salary

Private Healthcare

Discretionary annual bonus

Life Assurance

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

6% employer pension

Free parking

Fully subsidised staff canteen

Job summary

ALS in Prescot is seeking a Balance Operator to join our laboratory team. You will be responsible for accurate sample weighing, blending and preparing homogenised materials, following strict quality and safety standards in an ISO 17025 environment.

The role offers full-time permanent employment, 37.5 hours per week, with initial training and progression to evening shifts. Applicants should be detail-oriented, with good numeracy and IT skills; training provided.

Qualifications

• Good manual dexterity and accuracy when weighing samples.
• Strong focus on quality and accuracy in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to organise tasks and manage time effectively.
• Willingness to learn and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Mix and blend samples to ensure homogenisation before weighing.
• Weigh samples accurately and efficiently.
• Operate and maintain weighing equipment.
• Operate and maintain sample-drying equipment.
• Interpret analytical data accurately.
• Replenish materials required to support laboratory processes.
• Store and distribute samples appropriately.
• Ensure throughput meets department requirements.
• Maintain the Balance Room in a clean, tidy and organised condition.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors and other stakeholders.
• Undertake other laboratory duties as required by Supervisors or Laboratory Managers.
• Follow company policies including PPE use and safe handling of chemicals.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Right‑first-time mindset

Education

GCSE English and Maths

Tools

Weighing equipment

Sample-drying equipment

Microsoft Office

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

Balance Operator

We are looking for a motivated and detail-focused Balance Operatorto join our laboratory team in Prescot. Reporting to the Departmental Manager, you will play an important role in providing accurate and precise measurements of commodities, supporting the efficient completion of analytical inspection processes within an ISO 17025 analytical laboratory. Previous experience in a similar role would be advantageous, but is not essential, as comprehensive training will be provided.

About the Role:

• Number of Roles: 3

• Location: Prescot

• Hours Per Week: 37.5

• Contract: Full Time & Permanent

• Shift/Hours: The role includes an initial two-week training period working Monday to Friday (07:30 - 16:00) followed by permanent evening shifts Monday to Friday (13:30 - 21:30)

• Closing Date: Thursday 17th September 2026

The Day to Day

• Mix and blend samples to ensure they are fully homogenised before weighing.

• Weigh samples accurately and efficiently.

• Operate and maintain weighing equipment.

• Operate and maintain sample-drying equipment.

• Interpret analytical data accurately.

• Replenish materials required to support laboratory processes.

• Store and distribute samples appropriately.

• Ensure throughput meets the requirements of the department.

• Maintain the Balance Room in a clean, tidy and organised condition.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors and other stakeholders.

• Undertake other appropriate laboratory duties as required by Supervisors or Laboratory Managers.

• Carry out all activities in accordance with company policies and procedures, including safe working practices, the correct use of PPE, and the safe handling of chemicals and reagents.

• Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and efficiency at all times.

The Essentials

• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

• A right-first-time mindset, with a strong focus on quality and accuracy.

• Good manual dexterity.

• Good organisational skills.

• The ability to concentrate for extended periods.

• Basic English and Maths skills.

• Basic IT skills.

• GCSE English and Maths, or equivalent, would be desirable.

• Familiarity with Microsoft packages would be desirable.

• Previous laboratory experience, whether paid or voluntary, would be advantageous but is not essential.

• Experience in a similar role would be beneficial, although full training will be provided.

• An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities.

Our Benefits Include:

• Attractive Salary

• Private Healthcare

• Discretionary annual bonus

• Life Assurance

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

• 6% employer pension

• Free parking

• Fully subsidised staff canteen

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence.

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.