Laboratory Technician

UK Health Security Agency; Bristol; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A government health organization in the UK is looking for a Laboratory Technician to provide scientific support for the calibration and analysis of radon detectors. The role involves preparation, quality assurance, and database management. Candidates should have A Level/NVQ3 in a STEM discipline and experience with scientific support work. This position offers a salary of £27,335 per annum along with benefits including pension contributions and flexible working options.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

• Proven experience of scientific support work.
• Ability to work largely unsupervised and under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Good level of dexterity and capable of manual handling.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and treatment of radon detector inserts.
• Updating the database on completed work.
• Performing routine quality assurance procedures.

Skills

Good time-management

Interpersonal skills

Hand-eye coordination

Ability to follow complex instructions

Teamwork

Education

A Level/NVQ3 in a STEM discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Job description

Overview

This Laboratory Technician role is based at the Scientific Campus in Chilton, Oxfordshire, within the Radon Dosimetry Team. You will provide scientific support for the calibration and analysis of passive and active radon detectors, contributing to the UK Health Security Agency’s radon exposure database.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation and treatment of radon detector inserts using a mechanical engraver and chemical etching.
• Radon detector analysis using a digital image analysis system, including preparation for scanning and archiving of counted detectors.
• Updating the database on completed work and maintaining accurate records.
• Planning and scheduling work to meet programme requirements, deadlines and turnaround objectives.
• Following established local laboratory quality procedures and protocols.
• Identifying and escalating technical and logistical problems.
• Processing detectors in accordance with standard operating procedures, carried out unsupervised where appropriate.
• Handling and operating specialised equipment, ensuring compliance with QA and laboratory regulations.
• Performing routine quality assurance procedures.
• Handling small transparent detector inserts that require eye‑to‑hand coordination; performing repetitive actions for up to 45 minutes, followed by change of task.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educated to A Level/NVQ3 in a STEM discipline, or have previous laboratory work experience.
• Proven experience of scientific support work.
• Working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Good time‑management, prioritising and organisational skills.
• Ability to work largely unsupervised and under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills, teamwork, and ability to follow complex instructions.
• Good level of dexterity and hand‑eye coordination; capable of manual handling as required.
• Ability to work in line with Ionising Radiation Regulations and other laboratory regulations (e.g., COSHH).
• Understanding and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
• Desirable: experience working safely with ionising radiation and chemicals; previous experience of scientific support work.

Nationality Requirements

The role is broadly open to:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS.
• Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020.
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.

Assessment & Interview Process

Applications are assessed based on qualifications, knowledge, experience, skills and abilities listed in the advert. Applicants will need to:

• Complete an application form (including an employer/activity history section).
• Submit a 1000‑word supporting statement (HealthJobs UK word limit 1500).

Stage 1: Sift – applications are scored on the application form and statement. Stage 2: Interview – competency‑based face‑to‑face interview.

Security & Vetting

• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
• Security clearance depends on the site: Counter‑Terrorist Check (CTC) for office‑based roles; Basic Personnel Security Standard for other roles.
• Applications are also checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and other vetting processes.
• Individuals must normally have resided in the UK for the last 3 years to qualify for CTC clearance.

Benefits

• Salary: £27,335 per annum.
• UK Health Security Agency contributes £7,918 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Flexible working options.
• Culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• 24.97% employer contribution to Civil Service pension (subject to starting salary principles).

Health & Safety

The role involves working with ionising radiation and hazardous chemicals. Candidates must comply with Ionising Radiation Regulations, COSHH, and other laboratory safety protocols.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the vacancy closes; the role will be considered full when no longer accepting applications.