Lab Technician

Manpower; Liverpool City Region; Hybrid; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is seeking an interim Machine Dishwash Lab Technician to support research at Unilever’s facility in Port Sunlight. The candidate will manage machine preparation, inventory, and execute lab experiments. Ideal for those with strong organizational and teamwork skills. This full-time temporary role offers a competitive salary and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Staff shop and discounted products

Catering outlets on-site

Qualifications

• Ability to switch between tasks and plan for the week.
• Understanding the need for correct mixes and soils.
• Being part of a small team and interacting with Unilever colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Prepare MDW machines for studies.
• Collect and prepare MDW articles for reuse.
• Operate dishwashers and manage end-of-cycle procedures.
• Execute simple MDW experiments with commercial products.
• Conduct technical measurements on MDW articles.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Understanding of chemistry

Job description

Overview

Manpower is seeking an interim Machine Dishwash Lab Technician to work with our global FMCG client Unilever. The role is based at Unilever’s scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral. This is a full-time temporary position running until 27 March 2026 (possible extension), requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation is up to £26,325 per annum, pro rata, depending on experience. The role offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Responsibilities

• MDW machine preparation — clean machines between studies to be ready for the next set of products or tests.
• MDW article collection and preparation — ensure plates/glasses, etc. are fit for use and dispose of items that are not.
• MDW test washes — operate dishwashers, manage end-of-cycle procedures, load articles, and add appropriate ballast soils.
• Re-wash of MDW articles for reuse, manage inventory and stock control.
• Stain making for MDW studies.
• Execute simple MDW experiments following specific experimental processes, usually with commercial products.
• Technical instrumental measurements on MDW articles (after appropriate training), such as colour measurements, weight measurements, or digital imaging of washed articles.
• Use of LIMs for inventory tracking and article tracking through studies.

Qualifications and Skills

• Organisational skills — ability to switch between tasks and plan for the week.
• Attention to detail — understanding the need for correct mixes and soils and ensuring machines run with specific programmes and are loaded correctly.
• Teamwork — part of a small team and interaction with Unilever colleagues in the laboratory.
• IT skills — proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications.
• Some understanding of chemistry is preferred.

Port Sunlight working environment

• Free onsite parking; staff shop and discounted products.
• Working in state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
• 5 minutes walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester; 20-minute drive to Liverpool city centre; 30-minute drive to Chester.
• Disabled parking and the site’s location in Port Sunlight village.
• Site clubs available (Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy, etc.).
• Catering outlets on-site providing hot and cold food and drinks daily; vending machines and cold water dispensers throughout the day.

Job Info

• Job Title: Machine Dishwash Lab Technician (Interim)
• Company: Manpower
• Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
• Sector: Medical, Pharmaceutical & Scientific
• Contract: Temporary
• Hours: Full Time
• Posted: Sep 11, 2025
• Closes: Oct 12, 2025