Laboratory Technician

Heriot-Watt University; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Scotland is seeking a laboratory research assistant to support experimental programmes in hydrogen and CCS fluids research. The role involves high pressure laboratory analysis, maintaining equipment, and contributing to health and safety protocols. Applicants should possess a degree in chemistry or a related field and have experience in a lab environment. This position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively within a team committed to innovative energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in a relevant lab-based environment.
• Experience with high pressure measurements.
• Ability to collate information and present it clearly.

Responsibilities

• Completion of laboratory experiments designed with research leads.
• Maintenance and operation of analytical equipment.
• Support of colleagues and students in research objectives.

Skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Methodical approach

Education

Degree in chemistry or relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Analytical techniques (GC, FTIR, etc.)

Job description

Job Description

The Hydrate, Flow Assurance and Phase Equilibria Research Group in the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is a team that conducts research on thermophysical properties of hydrogen and CCS fluids with support from industries. The role advertised here requires the candidate to support the laboratory-based research undertaken by the group. This support will include performing detailed experimental programmes and reporting the results to researchers within the group, undertaking high pressure laboratory analysis and supporting PhD student projects. In addition, the successful candidates will contribute to: the general housekeeping of the laboratories, equipment calibration and maintenance, gas alarm testing, maintaining chemical and core inventories, and the health and safety culture of the group.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Completion of laboratory experiments designed collaboratively with research leads
• Generation and plotting of experimental data for review and discussion with research leads
• Contribution to all aspects of health and safety within the group
• Support of colleagues and students in delivery of research and pastoral objectives of group
• Maintenance and operation of analytical equipment
• Scheduling of sample analyses and analytical equipment usage
• QA/QC of analytical results
• Work within a team and maintain individual focus
• Engage with laboratory performance and health & safety protocols

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry / relevant scientific or engineering discipline
• Experience with high pressure measurements

Experience

• Experience in a relevant lab-based environment
• Performing detailed experiments, generating and plotting data generated for review

Competencies, Skills and Knowledge

• IT skills
• Attention to detail and ability to demonstrate disciplined and methodical approach to workload to completion of tasks
• Ability to collate information and present it in a clear and engaging manner

Desirable

• Experience in use of analytical techniques (such as GC, FTIR, etc.)

How To Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Tuesday 21st October 2025. Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.

Equality and Diversity

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.