Laboratory and Logistics Technician

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental research organization in Edinburgh is seeking two Laboratory & Logistics Technicians to support air quality monitoring initiatives. Responsibilities include preparing reagents, coordinating logistics, and performing laboratory analysis. Ideal candidates will possess A-Level qualifications in relevant sciences, strong attention to detail, and a dedication to environmental research. This role contributes to vital research supporting UK government policy and regulation regarding ammonia emissions. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including annual leave and a pension contribution.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible working arrangements

Dental insurance

Gym/fitness discounts

Qualifications

• Experience working in a laboratory environment following protocols.
• Keen interest in environmental science, particularly air quality.
• Strong organization and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory reagents, solutions, and scientific resources.
• Coordinate packing and shipping logistics for monitoring sites.
• Operate laboratory instruments and carry out tests.

Skills

Chemical analysis

Logistics coordination

Data management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Scottish Higher or A-Level in Chemistry, Physics or Biology

Job description

Salary: £26,206 - £27,808. Permanent. Interviews will be held 19-21 January 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

Do you enjoy working in science laboratories and have an interest in environmental research?

We’re recruiting two Laboratory & Logistics Technicians to join our small, collaborative laboratory team at our Edinburgh site. You’ll be part of our Air Quality, Impacts and Responses group, which studies the effects of ammonia on ecosystems, air quality and human health. The team’s work directly supports UK government policy and regulation by improving understanding of ammonia emissions, their sources (both natural and human-made), and how their impacts can be reduced.

Our laboratory team pride themselves in delivering an outstanding service to their colleagues and external partners. This includes high-quality chemical analysis, preparing scientific materials, and managing the logistics of equipment used at air quality monitoring sites across the UK.

Reporting to the Environmental Analytical Chemist, you’ll support cutting‑edge environmental science in a practical, hands‑on role. Working closely with this friendly and supportive team, you’ll be involved in preparing, shipping and managing these bespoke air quality equipment: Air sampler systems for environmental monitoring (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) used to measure ammonia in the atmosphere. These samplers are deployed by UKCEH fieldworkers and a wider monitoring network that includes partner organisations, local authorities, farmers and agricultural consultants. You’ll also carry out laboratory analysis of returned air samplers, ensuring data is accurately recorded and submitted. This is a steady, essential role that contributes directly to nationally important environmental monitoring and research.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Prepare laboratory reagents, solutions, equipment, and other scientific resources
• Coordinate packing and shipping logistics for monitoring sites
• Collate and prepare samples for laboratory analysis
• Operate laboratory instruments and carry out a range of laboratory tasks
• Manage data and report results accurately
• Maintain laboratory stock and resources
• Support laboratory research experiments
• Maintain a safe working environment by following established laboratory procedures

You’ll have some f oundation experience working in a laboratory environment and take pride in following and improving procedures to ensure accurate ,high-quality data - though f ull training will be provided.

For the role of Laboratory and Logistics Technician, we’re lo oking for somebody who has:

• Scottish Higher or A-Level qualifications in Chemistry, Physics or Biology
• Previous proven experience working in a laboratory environment following protocols, recording data and reporting, with a keen interest in developing your laboratory skills
• A n interest in environmental science, particularly air quality
• Strong communication skills - both written and verbal are essential, along with the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a diverse team
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to reliably follow written protocols
• Excellent organisation and time management

Desirable (but not essential):

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
• Understanding of health and safety procedures, including COSHH and good laboratory practice
• Experience in packing and shipping logistics, including import/export documentation

You should enjoy working as part of a team, learning through shadowing and training opportunities, and actively contributing to a positive and inclusive working environment. More importantly, we’re looking for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to contribute to environmental research.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who brings a positiveattitude, a keen interest in our work, and the motivation to do their job to the best of their ability.

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your career goals, the team would be delighted to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV and a Supporting Statement, following the instructions below.

Supporting Statement Questions

Please answer the following questions below, providing up to 100 words per question. Use specific examples from your experience and focus on your personal contribution and impact (Please do not submit a cover letter - your responses to the questions below will be used in place of a cover letter)

1. Laboratory Skills
Describe your experience preparing reagents, operating instruments, handling samples, and recording data in a laboratory. How do you ensure accuracy, follow protocols, and maintain high-quality results?

2. Multitasking and Organisation
Provide an example of when you handled multiple tasks at once. What did you do to keep operations running smoothly?

3. Teamwork and Communication
Describe a time you worked effectively within a team, including colleagues or external partners. How did you communicate, share information, and contribute to a positive and inclusive working environment?

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone - regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance - has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process - please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self‑sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.