Laboratory Technician

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston University in Birmingham seeks a proactive Laboratory Support role within the School Operations to provide maternity cover for the Laboratory Operations team. The role involves day-to-day technical support for teaching facilities across Biosciences, Pharmaceutics and Neuroscience, ensuring labs run safely and efficiently.

You will liaise with academic staff and technicians, prepare labs and equipment, demonstrate techniques, manage inventories, and promote health and safety.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualifications in a subject relevant to the role.
• Experience of working in a laboratory setting in Pharmaceutics or Biosciences is essential.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills required.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with academic stakeholders and technical colleagues to understand and support teaching programmes.
• Preparing laboratories, materials, and equipment for practical class sessions including purchasing chemicals and consumables.
• Demonstrating and instructing students in practical techniques.
• Assisting with inventories, purchasing, stock control, consumable issues, storekeeping, deliveries and laboratory waste management.
• Promoting safe working practices and ensuring laboratory facilities are compliant.
• Contributing positively to a supportive, inclusive and collaborative team environment.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a subject relevant to the role

Strong teamwork and customer service

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills and attention to detail

Practical laboratory skills

Job description

Aston University is a leading university in the heart of Birmingham, known for its focus on employability, real-world impact and an inclusive, supportive culture. The School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences delivers high-quality, practice-focused teaching in well-equipped laboratories, providing an excellent environment for staff and students to develop their skills and careers.

The opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our amazing technical team within School Operations on a 12-month fixed term contract to provide maternity cover. We are seeking a proactive, reliable individual to join our team which supports teaching and research facilities in the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences.

The successful candidate will join the Laboratory Operations team, where you will provide day to day technical support for our teaching facilities across Biosciences, Pharmaceutics, and Neuroscience subject groups. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will work closely with technical colleagues, academic staff, and students to ensure our laboratories run smoothly, safely, and effectively. The main responsibilities of this role include:

• + Liaising with academic stakeholders and technical colleagues to understand and support teaching programmes.
• + Preparing laboratories, materials, and equipment for practical class sessions including purchasing chemicals and consumables.
• + Demonstrating and instructing students in practical techniques.
• + Assisting with inventories, purchasing, stock control, consumable issues, storekeeping, deliveries and laboratory waste management.
• + Promoting safe working practices, providing health and safety advice, and ensuring laboratory facilities are compliant.
• + Contributing positively to a supportive, inclusive and collaborative team environment, working effectively with colleagues, and supporting the sharing of knowledge, skills, and best practices.

We are looking for a practical, organised, proactive individual with a strong commitment to teamwork and customer service. You will thrive in a busy, dynamic environment and enjoy working collaboratively with a diverse range of people, from students to academic staff and external suppliers. Excellent communication skills and a strong attention to detail are essential for supporting practical classes and demonstrating equipment.

The successful candidate will hold a degree or equivalent qualifications in a subject relevant to the role, experience of working in a laboratory setting in Pharmaceutics or Biosciences is essential although full training will be provided.