Laboratory Technician

AWE; Reading; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Generous pension scheme (9%–13%)

270 hours annual leave

Professional development funding

Employee assistance programme

Life assurance (4x salary)

Discounts on everyday spending

Job summary

AWE is seeking an experienced Laboratory Technician to join the Internal Dosimetry Service Team. The role focuses on analysis of biological samples and delivery of internal dosimetry services, contributing to dose assessments and regulatory compliance.

You will work hands-on in a busy laboratory, developing and validating methods, delivering high-quality data, and supporting safety and quality in operations. Onsite work is mandatory with potential flexible patterns where possible.

Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory, technical or scientific environment with ability to follow procedures accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping discipline.
• Experience handling samples and operating laboratory equipment or routine analytical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Perform radiochemical techniques and analytical testing of biological samples according to procedures and quality standards.
• Interpret data and produce technical reports to support requirements.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory activities including calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Record keeping

IT skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Tools

Liquid scintillation counters

HPLC

ICP instrumentation

Alpha spectrometry

Job description

Laboratory Technician

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Package: £24,160 - £34,400 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience) Plus, a role specific allowance.

Working Pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight, with every other Friday as a non-working day. For this role, employees are required to work fully onsite. We support flexible working arrangements where possible, including part-time and varied working hours, while maintaining an onsite presence. Please let us know if you would like us to consider an alternative working pattern as part of your application.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Laboratory Technician to join AWE’s Internal Dosimetry Service Team (IDST). The IDST plays a critical role in dosimetric monitoring and providing key data for dose assessments. Supporting the protection of employees and ensuring compliance with internal, regulatory and statutory requirements. The team delivers specialist expertise in bioassay analysis, showcasing a wide range of operational and programme activities across AWE.

Working within a busy and dynamic laboratory environment, you will be responsible for the analysis of biological samples and the delivery of internal dosimetry services using a range of radiochemical, analytical and measurement techniques. You will support the development, validation and continual improvement of laboratory methods and processes, ensuring the generation of high-quality scientific data to meet operational, regulatory and programme requirements.

The role combines hands-on laboratory work with routine analytical testing, sample preparation, data analysis, report writing, equipment calibration, laboratory maintenance and the oversight of day-to-day laboratory activities. You will play a key role in supporting worker radiation protection through the safe and effective delivery of analytical services, technical expertise and dose assessment information.

Responsibilities Include

• Performing radiochemical techniques and analytical testing of biological samples in accordance with approved procedures and quality standards.
• Interpret data and produce high-quality technical reports to support customer and programme requirements.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory activities, including equipment calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Maintain the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance through the use of Safe Systems of Work.
• Work collaboratively with customers, stakeholders and technical specialists to deliver scientific solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement in laboratory processes, methods and capabilities.
• Support the delivery of technical programmes by balancing priorities and meeting challenging timescales.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous experience working within a laboratory, technical or scientific environment.
• The ability to follow written procedures, work instructions and quality requirements with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Experience of handling samples, operating laboratory equipment or undertaking routine analytical activities.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality and security in the workplace.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Competent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• A willingness to undertake further training and development to achieve and maintain competency status.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Experience working in a radiochemical, analytical, environmental or healthcare laboratory.
• Knowledge of radiation protection, dosimetry or radiological monitoring principles.
• Experience using laboratory instrumentation such as liquid scintillation counters, HPLC, ICP instrumentation and alpha spectrometry systems or similar analytical equipment.
• Understanding of quality management systems, accreditation standards or regulated laboratory environments

Work Hard, Be Rewarded

• 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Important Things You Need To Know

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.