Laboratory Technician

Reed; Buckley; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus scheme

Life assurance

Free on-site parking

EV charging points

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Full training and development program

Opportunities for overtime

Job summary

Reed in Rochdale is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join a busy laboratory team. The role involves analyzing metal powders and conducting chemical tests to ensure product quality, with full training provided and excellent career development opportunities.

You will work standard hours initially, with potential shifts later, and receive a salary of 27,000–28,000 GBP plus a quarterly bonus and benefits such as life assurance and on-site parking.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or related STEM field.
• Full training provided and willingness to learn.
• Driver with car due to location and hours.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical analysis of metal powders and record results.
• Perform chemical analyses using SEM/ICP-OES and related methods.
• Maintain lab documentation, reports and quality records.
• Assist with general laboratory duties and audits when required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgy or related field

Tools

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

ICP-OES analysis

Inert Gas Fusion testing

Job description

Laboratory Technician

Location: Rochdale

Salary: £27,000 - £28,000 + Excellent Benefits

Role type: Permanent and fully site-based

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgy or related STEM graduate looking to begin a career in laboratory analysis and quality control. Full training will be provided, making this an ideal first role within industry.

The Role

As a Laboratory Technician, you'll play a key role in ensuring the quality and consistency of products through a variety of physical and chemical testing techniques. Working within a busy laboratory environment, you'll support both production and quality activities by carrying out routine analysis and maintaining accurate records.

Key Responsibilities

Physical Analysis

• Testing and analysing metal powder characteristics including:
• Particle shape and morphology
• Density
• Physical form and appearance
• Recording and reporting test results accurately
• Preparing samples for laboratory testing

Chemical Analysis

• Operating and assisting with:
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • ICP-OES analysis
  • Inert Gas Fusion testing
• Measuring pH content of products and process streams
• Monitoring and testing process water for legionella and bacterial contamination
• Supporting laboratory investigations and continuous improvement activities

General Laboratory Duties

• Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring housekeeping standards are met
• Following quality, health, safety and environmental procedures
• Assisting with sample retention and documentation
• Supporting quality assurance activities and audits when required

About You

We're looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual who is eager to develop a career in laboratory science.

Ideal requirements:

• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgy or a related scientific discipline
• Driver with car, due to location and working hours (essential)
• Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset
• Good organisational and record-keeping skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexible approach to working hours

Graduate applications are highly encouraged, and full training will be provided on all specialist equipment and testing methods.

Working Hours

First 12 weeks: Monday to Friday, standard day shifts

Following completion of training:

Typically 10:00am - 6:00pm. Occasional flexibility required to work: 8:00am - 4:00pm or 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Flexibility is essential due to business requirements.

Salary & Benefits

• £27,000 - £28,000 salary
• Quarterly bonus scheme
• Life assurance
• Free on-site parking
• EV charging points
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Full training and development programme
• Opportunities for overtime
• Opportunity to build a long‑term career within a specialist manufacturing environment

Unfortunately, we cannot provide sponsorship to work in the UK.