Laboratory Assistant

Manpower UK Ltd; Port Sunlight; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is seeking a Laboratory Assistant for a temporary full-time position at a prestigious FMCG client in Port Sunlight. You will prepare samples for evaluation and ensure safety within the laboratory. Ideal candidates should have practical experience, strong attention to detail, and teamwork skills. The role offers competitive pay and a dynamic working environment.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Staff shop discounted products

Access to site clubs and catering outlets

Qualifications

• Practical experience in preparing samples or applying products in a lab setting.
• Awareness of safety procedures in the laboratory.
• Ability to stay calm under changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Accurately prepare samples for evaluation.
• Set up assessments for the perfumery team.
• Record all laboratory work accurately.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Digital literacy (MS Excel, MS Word)

Education

GCSE Science or equivalent

Job description

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Laboratory Assistant to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast‑paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at Unilever’s scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral, easily accessible by train and car. This is a full‑time temporary role to run for 6 months, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £29,000 per annum pro‑rata, depending upon experience.

The role sits within the Unilever Fragrance House team working across all Unilever Business Groups globally, alongside the fragrance R&D teams. The role will be to provide laboratory support to prepare samples and substrates for evaluation by the perfumery team.

You will work as part of a broader team; working proactively and independently in a multi‑functional, multi‑cultural environment; adhering to prescribed procedures and health and safety guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately prepare samples and apply them to substrates for evaluation (main duty)
• Set up evaluation assessments for the perfumery team
• Accurately record all laboratory work
• Safely handle and label all products and substrates for evaluation
• Work closely with laboratory team and project manager to ensure samples are prepared on time
• Ensure all equipment and evaluation areas used are kept clean
• Comply with all safety and lab management procedures (Risk Assessment, Health Safety, Laboratory Management, Standard Procedures)
• Update project team on challenges and timing changes

Key Requirements

• Practical experience in preparing samples or applying products to substrates within a controlled laboratory environment would be useful (could be from within education – GCSE Science, or equivalent, and above)
• Awareness of safety within the laboratory essential. Working to standard operating procedures, risk assessment and CoSHH beneficial.
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work alone as required
• Highly motivated and numerate with great attention to detail and an interest in products and fragrances
• Digitally literate (including a good understanding of MS Excel and MS Word)
• Ability to stay calm under changing priorities
• Ability to communicate clearly around deadlines and challenges
• Curiosity and interest in both fragrance and fragranced products is highly desirable

Additional Information

Port Sunlight working environment:

• Free onsite parking
• Staff shop discounted products
• Working in state‑of‑the‑art laboratory and pilot plant facilities
• Free parking onsite
• 5 mins walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester
• 20‑minute drive from Liverpool city centre/30‑minutes' drive from Chester
• Disabled parking
• In the heart of picturesque Port Sunlight village

There are also several site clubs available to join covering a range of topics including Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy and much more.

The sites have three catering outlets which provide a range of hot and cold food and drinks daily.

In addition there are a range of vending machines and cold‑water dispensers around the site accessible throughout the day.