Lab Technician - 12 month fixed term contract

Nutreco; Compton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Training & development

Global organisation exposure

Job summary

Nutreco’s Ashbourne site invites applications for a Laboratory Technician to join our analytical team. You will register samples, manage data accurately, and support daily lab operations in a fast-paced environment.

This role offers hands-on experience with routine and development tests, delivering reliable service to customers and projects. Working in a small team, you will gain practical laboratory experience and exposure to a leading global nutrition company.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in an analytical laboratory.
• Experience with databases, ideally LIMS.
• Good IT skills – Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Attention to detail; ability to work systematically.
• Willingness to work beyond normal duties when required.
• Ability to work independently as part of a small team.

Responsibilities

• Comply with UKAS ISO 17025 for all methods and procedures and apply criteria where possible to non‑accredited activities.
• Perform all wet chemistry techniques.
• Prepare and analyse samples for vitamins (HPLC), mineral analysis (ICP) and enzyme analysis.
• Analyse samples by NIR (Raw material ID, Premix ID, Feeds and Forages).
• Assist Laboratory Managers in their duties.
• Handle sample preparation responsibilities and maintain clean lab spaces.
• Ensure samples are stored correctly and that turn-around times are minimized.
• Provide cover with proficiency in multiple techniques when required.

Skills

Analytical laboratory experience

Attention to detail

IT skills (Outlook, Excel, Word)

Tools

LIMS

Job description

The Laboratory Technician carries out analytical tests to assess the quality, grade or other characteristics of incoming, produced or researched products and goods, in accordance with quality system guidelines or test protocols, in order to ensure that the products and goods comply with the set quality standards and / or research test results can be properly assessed.

In R&D, the Laboratory Technician not only carries out more regular laboratory activities, but is also involved with setting-up, conducting and reporting of specific R&D tests and analysis and assists in designing and developing new (in vitro) assays in close collaboration with project teams, in order to support the development of new or improved products.

Within an OpCo Laboratory, the focus of the Laboratory Technician role is on first-line technical and analytical support. In the Laboratory he / she performs tests on samples of incoming raw materials, of produced goods in various stages of the production process and samples of end products. Also, various analysis can be conducted at the request of customers.

Within a R&D laboratory (Aquaculture Research Centre –ARC–, Animal Nutrition R&D or Masterlab), the focus of the Laboratory Technician is not only on first-line technical and analytical support, but also on supporting the research & development activities, in collaboration with researchers and project teams.

More senior Laboratory Technician roles in R&D may will also supervise R&D laboratory activities, and train, supervise and manage Laboratory Assistants, Technicians and Laboratory Technicians operating in the R&D laboratory (including Masterlab personnel and students).

Job Description: Join Trouw Nutrition, a Nutreco company, supporting our laboratory operations in Ashbourne. As global leaders in animal nutrition, our shared purpose of Feeding the Future drives innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact. This is a great opportunity to start or develop your career in a hands-on role where you’ll learn how laboratory processes work in a real operational environment. This tole would suit someone looking for a year in industry during their studies. You’ll be responsible for registering samples, managing data accurately, and supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the lab. You’ll also have the chance to interact with customers, helping to ensure a reliable and professional service. Working in a fast-paced and supportive team, you’ll build valuable skills, gain practical experience, and grow your confidence while making a real contribution to our operations.

What you will do

• Comply with our UKAS ISO 17025:2017 for all accredited methods and procedures and where possible apply those criteria to other non-accredited activities.
• Performance of all ‘wet’ chemistry techniques.
• Preparation and analysis of samples for vitamins (HPLC), mineral analysis (ICP) and enzyme analysis.
• Analysis of all samples by NIR (Raw material ID, Premix ID, Feeds and Forages).
• Assist the Laboratory Mangers in the effective performance of their duties.
• Specific responsibility for all aspects of sample preparation.
• Assisting and supporting the senior analyst in their duties.
• Ensure the laboratories, stock rooms and associated areas and all equipment within are clean and properly maintained.
• Ensure that all samples are stored correctly and clearly.
• Ensure turn round times for analysis of feeds and premixes for ‘wet’ chemistry techniques and NIR analysis are as quick as possible.
• Become familiar with and proficient in as many techniques as possible to provide cover when necessary

What we’re looking for

• Experience of working in an analytical laboratory.
• Experience in working with databases, ideally experience of using LIMS.
• Good IT skills – Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Attention to detail; ability to work systematically.
• Ability to undertake measurement and analysis.
• Willingness to carry out tasks outside the normal area of work where necessary.
• Able to work on own initiative as part of small team.
• Happy to deal with agricultural samples including silage etc.
• Willingness to work in support of the Nutreco Group values – capable, caring, collaborative and innovative.

Location & Details

Location: Ashbourne, UK

Work model: On-site Contract: Fixed Term for 12 months, full-time (40 hours, Monday–Friday)

What you’ll receive

• 25 days of holiday per calendar year based on full-time working hours, plus 8 UK bank holidays
• Training and development opportunities, including systems and laboratory processes
• Opportunity to build experience within a global organisation

Our organisation

Trouw Nutrition is the global leader in innovative feed specialties, premixes and nutritional services for the animal nutrition industry. Trouw Nutrition provides species-specific nutritional solutions consisting of feed concepts, products and nutritional know-how. The unique combination of products, models and services Trouw Nutrition offers, boosts productivity and supports animal health through all life stages, contributing to our customers' peace of mind. Trouw Nutrition's nutrition solutions have met the need of farmers and home-mixers, feed producers, integrators and distributors. Trouw Nutrition has locations in 25 countries and around 5000 employees. Our mission is Feeding the Future.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Trouw Nutrition is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, military status or any other status protected by applicable local law. Please advise us at any point during the recruitment and selection process if you require accommodation. Trouw Nutrition is committed to compliance with all applicable legislation, including providing accommodation for applicants with disabilities.

Nutreco is a global leader in animal nutrition and aquafeed. Our advanced nutritional solutions are at the origin of food for millions of consumers worldwide. Its two global company brands Skretting (aqua feed) and Trouw Nutrition (animal nutrition) have sales in over 90 countries. Our purpose Feeding the Future captures a big challenge: feeding 9 billion people in 2050. Our responsibility is twofold: we need to make a significant contribution to meeting the rapid increase in worldwide demand for food; on the other hand, we need to find the right balance in order that we can realize growth while making also responsible choices for people and planet. To know more about us, please visit our website https://www.nutreco.com.