Higher Level Apprentice – Lab Technician (3 posts)

HIRANI; Belfast; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking Higher Level Apprentices – Lab Technicians to join the Future Medicines Institute in Belfast. This apprenticeship offers hands-on lab experience combined with academic study at Southern Regional College. Candidates must possess at least 1 A-Level in a science subject and have a genuine interest in the field. The role is fixed-term with potential for progression into technician opportunities based on performance.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be 18 years or older by 1st July 2026.
• Relevant BTEC/OCR qualifications or Access Diploma with approved science module are acceptable.
• GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science.
• Must be 18 by 1 July 2026.
• Basic understanding of health and safety regulations.
• Evidence of meeting essential criteria in application.

Responsibilities

• Support cutting‑edge research by assisting scientists and industry partners.
• Engage in a two-year apprenticeship with practical training and academic study.
• Pursue Foundation Degree in Applied Science (Analytical or Bioscience Pathway).
• Start date 1 September 2026.
• Possible progression to full-time Technician roles depending on performance and funding.

Skills

Basic understanding of health and safety regulations

Genuine interest in the subject area

Foundational knowledge in lab tech

Education

Minimum of 1 A-Level in a science subject (A*‑C)

At least 5 GCSEs at grades A*‑C or equivalent

Minimum of 48 UCAS points from approved qualifications

Job description

Higher Level Apprentice – Lab Technician (3 posts)

The Future Medicines Institute (FMI), based at Queen’s University Belfast, is a new research hub co‑founded by leading pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and health analytics companies alongside QUB and Ulster University. It focuses on innovative solutions in precision medicine, novel therapeutics, advanced diagnostics, and healthcare technologies.

As a Higher‑Level Apprentice – Laboratory Technician at FMI, you will support cutting‑edge research by assisting scientists and industry partners. The role offers hands‑on lab experience within a multidisciplinary team, fostering practical skills in experimental methods and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

The two‑year apprenticeship combines four days of practical training at FMI with one day of academic study per week at Southern Regional College (SRC), where you will pursue a Foundation Degree in Applied Science (Analytical or Bioscience Pathway). The programme includes structured training, mentoring, and professional development. Successful apprentices may progress into full‑time Technician roles at QUB, depending on performance and role availability.

Start date is 1 September 2026.

About the person

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

Minimum of 1 A‑Level in a science subject at grades A*‑C (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Health & Life Sciences), or relevant Level 3 BTEC/OCR qualifications, or ADAL: Access Diploma which contains an approved science module.

Applicants must have attained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A Levels, National Awards, Access Diplomas or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.

At least 5 GCSEs at grades A*‑C (9‑4), or equivalent, including Maths, English, and a Science.

Must be 18 years or older by 1st July 2026.

Genuine interest and foundational knowledge in the subject area.

Basic understanding of health and safety regulations.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but, in particular circumstances, may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.