Heritage Science Laboratory Assistant (Modern Apprentice)

Historic Environment Scotland; Stirling; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Historic Environment Scotland offers a four-year apprenticeship as a Heritage Science Laboratory Assistant. This role combines college attendance with hands-on laboratory work, providing essential skills and experience in the heritage sector. Ideal for school leavers with an interest in science, this position promises valuable opportunities for growth and engagement with conservation science.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension scheme with 28% employer contribution

25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 after 3 years)

Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions

Support for further education and personal development

Flexible working hours

Free entry to properties

Qualifications

• No previous experience required; full training provided.
• Interested in heritage science and laboratory work.

Responsibilities

• Archiving and logging samples.
• Preparing samples for scientific analysis.
• Assisting in scientific analysis of materials.

Skills

Interest in science

Education

SCQF level 5 in English and Maths

SCQF level 6 in a science subject (preferably Chemistry)

Job description

Description

Starting salary:25770
Contract type:Fixed term contract over four years
Band:Grade 1
Location: The Engine Shed Forthside Way Stirling FK8 1QZ
Working Hours:Monday - Friday 35 hours
Interviews: To be held in person at the Engine Shed Stirling on between the days of 2nd July - 15th July 2025

Thank you for your interest in the post of Heritage Science Laboratory Assistant Apprentice with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) based at The Engine Shed in Stirling. This is a four-year fixed-term appointment.

Applications are welcomed from all however due to our commitment to providing skills development opportunities to young people to enter the Heritage workforce we are actively encouraging applications from school leavers and due to apprenticeship eligibility can only consider those without a degree in this area.

During your Apprenticeship you will split your time between attending college and working in the heritage science laboratory based at the Engine Shed in Stirling whilst gaining experience at our sites across Scotland. There will be opportunities to take part in site visits and short placements with our partners who specialise in archaeological science and museum collections. This experience will set the foundation for a rewarding career in heritage science.

We are hosting an Explore Where You Will Work day at the Engine Shed in Stirling. You can either drop in to see us in person or join us online. In person it will be a chance for you to explore the Engine Shed meet the team learn more about heritage science and the laboratory and ask any questions you might have about the apprenticeship the application process or the work of the team. Online you will be able to meet the team ask questions and gain a better understanding of the apprenticeship laboratory and the Engine Shed.

To register for either the in-person or virtual event please register your interest with Callum Graham on

The in-person event will take place on Monday 9 th June between 10:00am-12:00pm or 2:00pm 5:00pm.

If you would like to join us online we will hold two 30-minute sessions on Monday 9 th June at 12:00-12:30pm and 13:00-13:30pm.

For more information about the post and information about the team please access the full job description for this post.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) 11.5 public holidays
• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• Support for further education and personal development
• Study leave for work related courses
• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
• Free entry to English Heritage Manx and Cadw properties

Key Responsibilities of this role and what will I learn

No previous experience in scientific analysis and preparation of samples is required all training is provided and you will be supported in the workplace in all aspects of the role. You will be given full training on the use of analytical equipment and X-Ray radiation safety training. You will also have access to the HES mentoring scheme should you wish to take part.

You will work closely with the conservation scientists in the Heritage Science team. Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Archiving and logging samples.
• Preparing samples for routine scientific analysis.
• Assisting colleagues to undertake scientific analysis on a range of materials and artefacts including stone mortar and salts.
• Routine checking of equipment maintenance schedules and undertaking laboratory inventory and consumable stock checking.
• Assisting colleagues in the development of laboratory risk assessments and standard operating procedures for the use of equipment.
• Contributing to the writing of scientific reports.
• Preparing organising and logging equipment for use on site.
• Assisting the team on research development.

These activities will take place at the Engine Shed in Stirling where this post is based but there will be opportunity for site visits and to work with other teams in HES at other sites in central Scotland such as with our applied conservation digital innovation teams and with our technical conservation colleagues. Short placements with some of our partner organisations will also be offered to help you gain an insight in the scientific analysis.

All travel expenses will be covered for additional travel from your base location (Engine Shed) and all necessary equipment will be provided.Please note your standard commute will be at your own expense.

On completing this modern apprenticeship you will have gained important experience and knowledge in laboratory management health and safety protocols sample preparation and analysis and developed key skills in teamwork time management and science communication. This apprenticeship will set the foundations for an exciting career in heritage science and technical laboratory work.

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post we will be looking for you to complete acover letterwhich addresses:

1.Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland

2.How you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 800 words) using examples of where you have used these skills in the past.

Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life home life education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidancefirst before completing.

Essential Criteria:

• A qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework(SCQF) level 5 in both English and Maths is essential for this position along with a qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework(SCQF) level 6 in a science subject with Chemistry being preferable.
• A keen interest in science.

Find out more aboutdesirableskills and experience in ourfull job description.

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of age race gender or gender identity religious beliefs marital status sexual orientation disability or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format please reach out to us via email at or call our Head Office at 0 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that at this time we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.

To submit your application online please read our How to Apply section followed by Apply Now button to begin your application

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Vacancy: 1