Laboratory Technician

UK Biobank Limited; Cheadle; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research organization based in Cheadle seeks a Laboratory Technician to aid in sample processing and ensure compliance with ISO standards. Candidates should possess a BSc in life sciences and experience in a laboratory environment. The position offers a competitive salary and diverse benefits, including annual leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

26 Days’ Annual Leave

Holiday Buy Scheme

Birthday Leave

USS Pension Scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Enhanced Family Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season Ticket Loan

Professional Subscriptions

Learning budget

Subsidised Canteen Lunches

Free Car Parking

Employee Discounts Portal

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual Flu Vaccination

Life Assurance Cover

Qualifications

• Experience working in a professional laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with shipping biological samples.
• Ability to work according to GxP or equivalent standards.

Responsibilities

• Handle, process, and store samples.
• Perform quality control checks on samples.
• Support audits against ISO9001 standards.

Skills

Laboratory experience

ISO standards compliance

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

BSc in a relevant life sciences discipline

Tools

LIMS

Automated liquid handling systems

Job description

Laboratory Technician

Application Deadline: 28 September 2025

Department: Lab

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Cheadle

Reporting To: Laboratory Supervisor

Compensation: £27,557 / year

Description

Where can you have a direct impact on health research happening across the globe? At UK Biobank, that’s where. UK Biobank is helping to pioneer new pathways in health, believing that people have the right to live longer and more fulfilling lives. We’re a team aiming to make a difference to millions of people on this planet - and an employer who cares passionately about the diverse range of professionals who have come together to drive our incredible journey. This role is pivotal to that journey.

Can you do it?

The world’s largest Biobank is undergoing a significant transformation to meet increasing scientific research demand. This includes a move to the prestigious Manchester Science Park involving the relocation of >10million samples and the setting up of a new sample processing and storage facility with the aim of supplying >1 million samples for health research each year. Due to an increase in our workload and the upcoming move, we are hiring for Laboratory Technicians to join our team. These roles are responsible for handling, processing, storing and shipping UK Biobank samples and performing associated activities to support the operation of the laboratory. Your principal duties will include:

Responsibilities

• Receipt and aliquot new samples coming into the resource
• Pick samples from automated stores, freezers or LN2 tanks
• Extract/normalise/reformat samples using automated liquid handling systems
• Perform quality control checks on samples
• Ship samples
• Perform location audits
• Pick samples from participant withdrawals destructions
• Perform consolidation of samples across sample storage locations
• Support audits against standards held by UK Biobank (i.e. ISO9001)
• Work to high standards for behaviour within the lab/ good laboratory practice
• Identify areas for improvement (i.e. feedback sessions, change requests)
• Input to updates of laboratory documentation (SOPs, COSHH and Risk Assessments etc)

Is this ‘You’?

Reporting to the Senior Laboratory team, you’ll have a BSc in a relevant life sciences discipline or equivalent laboratory and experience of;

• Working in a laboratory in a professional setting
• Working to the requirements of a relevant ISO standard (e.g. ISO9001, ISO17025, ISO15189, ISO27001), GxP or equivalent
• Using a LIMS product or equivalent complex information system supporting scientific work
• Using automated liquid handling and/or storage systems
• Shipping biological samples
• Communicating with team members effectively
• Using Microsoft Office including – Word and Excel

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:

• 26 Days’ Annual Leave - Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Holiday Buy Scheme - Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
• Birthday Leave - Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
• USS Pension Scheme - Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
• Healthcare Cash Plan - Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
• Enhanced Family Leave - Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Save on a new bike and accessories.
• Season Ticket Loan - Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.
• Professional Subscriptions - Reimbursement where applicable.
• Learning budget - Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches - Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
• Free Car Parking - On-site parking available for staff.
• Employee Discounts Portal - Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
• Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
• Annual Flu Vaccination - Stay protected with free flu jabs.
• Life Assurance Cover - Financial protection for your loved ones.

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.