Laboratory Technician

Shirley®; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in textiles testing seeks a Laboratory Technician for their PPE Laboratory in Manchester. The role involves testing fabrics for safety compliance, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring ISO 17025 compliance. Suitable candidates will have a strong educational background in engineering or textiles and demonstrate problem-solving skills in a lab environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Competitive salary & Bonus Scheme

Flexi-time system

Health Cover

Contributory Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in an ISO 17025 accredited lab.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize, multi-task and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Testing and preparation of test specimens.
• Conduct physical, fire, and chemical testing on textiles.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 17025 standards.

Skills

Instrumentation experience

Microsoft Office skills

ISO 17025 standards interpretation

Strong written and verbal English

Education

A-level or higher in engineering, textiles, or mathematics

Job description

With a century of experience in textiles and related products BTTG and Shirley are the leading independent organisation for testing and certification. BTTG specialise in the testing, certification and auditing of Personal Protective Equipment and Construction Products. Shirley is a member of the OEKO-TEX Association and offers testing and certification to STANDARD 100 plus analytical and investigation services and a member of the Expert Witness Scheme. In essence we certify, test, audit, advise and train.

We operate in ten countries, assist clients in over 70 countries and have four laboratories in the UK along with one in India. Our offices are in the UK (Manchester and Leeds), Ireland, Bangladesh, China, Kenya, Pakistan, Singapore, Vietnam, India, South Africa and the USA.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Laboratory Technician to join our PPE Laboratory in Manchester. The department is responsible for carrying out testing of fabrics specifically designed to offer protection against risks.

Reporting to the Laboratory Manager the main duties are:
• Testing & Preparation of test specimens (cutting, sewing, etc.)
• Conduct physical, fire, and chemical testing on textiles
• Complete test records and UKAS documentation
• Calculate measurement uncertainty budgets
• Laboratory & Equipment Duties
• Maintain and commission testing equipment
• Ensure lab operates under ISO 17025 compliance
• Perform internal audits
• Assist in sourcing and implementing new testing equipment
• Routine admin tasks
• Provide technical support to the Laboratory Manager
• Participate in Standards Committees

Skills/attributes
• Education: A-level or higher in engineering, textiles, or mathematics
• Standards Knowledge: BS, EN, ISO standards interpretation
• Technical: Instrumentation experience, Microsoft Office skills
• Regulatory: Familiarity with ISO 17025 and UKAS processes
• Communication: Strong written and verbal English

The ideal applicant should be:
• Experienced in an ISO 17025 accredited lab
• Independent researcher with practical problem-solving skills
• Well-organised, detail-oriented, and capable of multi-tasking
• Effective communicator with scientific or textile knowledge
• Confident in setting up and troubleshooting lab equipment

What you’ll get in return:
• Experienced in an ISO 17025 accredited lab
• 25 days holiday
• Competitive salary & Bonus Scheme
• Flexi-time system
• Health Cover
• Contributory Pension Scheme