Dyehouse Laboratory Assistant (Fixed Term)

Johnstons of Elgin; Elgin; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnstons of Elgin in Scotland is seeking a Dyehouse Laboratory Assistant to support colour development, colour matching, and dye formulation within our luxury textile dyehouse. The role offers hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and close collaboration with designers, customers and production teams.

You will operate specialist laboratory equipment, prepare dye recipes, produce colour samples and assist in developing accurate shade matches while ensuring equipment is maintained

Qualifications

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to follow detailed procedures and instructions.
• A methodical approach to problem solving.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to prioritise workloads in a fast-paced environment.
• A willingness to learn specialist laboratory processes and equipment.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of housekeeping and Health & Safety.

Responsibilities

• Develop colour recipes for new and existing products.
• Prepare laboratory dye trials using a variety of dyes and chemical auxiliaries, ensuring precise weighing and formulation to achieve accurate and consistent colour matches.
• Providing technical support to the Dyehouse team.
• Conduct colour fastness and quality tests where required.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment at all times.
• Use spectrophotometer equipment to help with shade development and shade matching.
• Reviewing the schedule and keeping up with demand.
• Work effectively with other departments to troubleshoot colour issues.
• Be part of and drive continuous improvement projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Following procedures

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Willingness to learn

Health & Safety

Education

HNC/HND in science-based subject

Job description

Job Title: Dyehouse Laboratory Assistant

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Dyehouse Laboratory Assistant to join our Dyehouse team. This vacancy is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to build a career within a textile dyehouse laboratory. The role offers the chance to work closely with designers, customers, and production teams to create and develop bespoke colours for a wide range of products.

You will gain practical experience in colour matching, dye application, laboratory testing, and textile processing while working with industry-standard equipment and procedures.

If you have a keen eye for colour, a passion for quality, and a commitment to health and safety, this is an excellent opportunity to join a skilled and supportive team.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 1 year. You will be working shifts on a rotational basis (day and back shift, with nights added after the initial training period). The working hours are as follows:

• Day shift: Monday to Thursday, 0600 am to 0200 pm and Friday, 0600 am to 1200 pm
• Back shift: Monday to Wednesday, 0200 pm to 0000, and Thursday, 0200 pm to 1000 pm
• There will be a requirement to work night shift on occasion, Sunday 1100 pm to Monday 0600 am; then Tuesday to Thursday 1000 pm to 0600 am.

Due to some of the equipment used, this role is not suitable for anyone with a pacemaker.

Rate of pay for this role is £13.45 per hour, along with shift pay allowance.

About the Role

Working closely with the Design team and other departments, you will operate specialist laboratory equipment, prepare dye recipes, produce colour samples, and assist in developing accurate shade matches. You will also ensure laboratory equipment is maintained to a high standard by cleaning and preparing machinery between uses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop colour recipes for new and existing products.
• Prepare laboratory dye trials using a variety of dyes and chemical auxiliaries, ensuring precise weighing and formulation to achieve accurate and consistent colour matches.
• Providing technical support to the Dyehouse team.
• Conduct colour fastness and quality tests where required.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment at all times.
• Use spectrophotometer equipment to help with shade development and shade matching.
• Reviewing the schedule and keeping up with demand.
• Work effectively with other departments to troubleshoot colour issues.
• Be part of and drive continuous improvement projects.

About you

We're looking for someone who is organised, reliable and enjoys working with precision. You will have a keen eye for detail and take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.

You will ideally have:

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to follow detailed procedures and instructions.
• A methodical approach to problem solving.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to prioritise workloads in a fast-paced environment.
• A willingness to learn specialist laboratory processes and equipment.
• A positive attitude with a flexible approach to work.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of housekeeping and Health & Safety.

HNC/HND in a science-based subject, or previous experience in a laboratory, textile, dyehouse or manufacturing environment would be an advantage, although full training will be provided for the right candidate in all aspects of the role. This includes colour matching, shade development, spectrophotometer operation and fastness testing. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills within a luxury textile dyehouse, with ongoing training and career development opportunities available.

About Us

Founded in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is an innovative, luxury clothing brand celebrating 225 years of experience in working with the world's finest fibres. Across three centuries, our family-owned company has carefully sources cashmere and fine woollen fibres from around the world, applying the latest technology and highest quality craft expertise in our very own vertical Scottish mills. Employing over 1,000 staff, our valued employees and communities are at the heart of everything we do, producing unique, high-quality designs that are made to last. Our brand is focused on sustainability, working with natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibres and we are committed to maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

Johnstons of Elgin is proud to be an equal opportunity employer wholeheartedly supporting the principles of equality and diversity to build an inclusive workforce. Our aim is to embed diversity and inclusion in everything we do to create an environment where our employees feel safe to be their whole authentic self without having to downplay or change parts of their identity. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, which goes beyond those characteristics protected by law to include everything that makes us unique, from our backgrounds and experiences to our personalities and ways of thinking.

We endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and encourage any candidate who requires assistance to contact us at [e-mail].

Don't meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement or qualification. At Johnstons of Elgin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but think your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Please note all applicants must be able to provide evidence of their right to remain and take up paid employment in country job is based.