Laboratory Assistant

UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental research institute in Lancashire is seeking an entry-level Laboratory Assistant to join its Analytical Chemistry Group. This role involves preparing samples, operating analytical instruments, and ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols. Ideal candidates will have strong attention to detail and a passion for chemistry and life sciences. The position offers excellent benefits, including annual leave and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus Christmas closure

10% employer pension contribution

Dental insurance

Gym/fitness discounts

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy laboratory environment is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Fascination with chemistry and life sciences.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials and equipment for analyses.
• Manage and prepare samples (drying, weighing, grinding).
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an entry‑level Laboratory Assistant to join our Analytical Chemistry Group in Lancaster. This is a unique opportunity to analyse inorganic, organic and stable isotope analytes in a wide range of environmental samples. Contributing to the understanding of a multitude of environmental questions. You’ll be working in world‑class laboratories (accredited to ISO17025:2017), using cutting‑edge instruments and contributing to the delivery of high‑quality chemistry data, analysis, and results for a wide range of science areas. You will be joining an established, diverse, and busy team where you will be responsible for sample preparation, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of a pool of analytical instruments. This role would suit someone who has excellent attention to detail and enjoys working in a methodical manner, within a controlled environment. Your main responsibilities will include:

Responsibilities

• Preparing materials, equipment, and resources for laboratory analyses
• Sample management and preparation (drying, weighing, grinding), sample extraction and clean up
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments used in the analysis of alkalinity, pH, TC and TN, etc.
• Procurement – purchasing general equipment and reagents
• Uploading data into Microsoft Excel, plotting, and calculating results
• General laboratory housekeeping duties including: safe storage of chemicals, maintaining a safe and tidy laboratory environment, washing and cleaning of instruments, ensuring the supply of consumable items, stock rotation, waste disposal
• Adherence to COSHH and Risk Assessment guidelines

Qualifications

Are you fascinated by life sciences or chemistry and eager to get hands‑on experience in a lab? Do you care about the environment and want to use your skills to contribute to meaningful research? A keen interest in chemistry and life sciences.

• Previous experience working in a busy laboratory, preparing and managing samples
• The ability to work independently, with good time management skills
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
• A team‑oriented approach and be able work collaboratively with others
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Knowledge of health and safety best practice within a laboratory environment, or able to follow health and safety protocols

In return we are fully committed to the development of our employees which is why you will be given full support with your ongoing learning and development and receive comprehensive training and full PPE.

Benefits

• 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…