Laboratory Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

9‑day working fortnight

Onsite work with flexible patterns

Job summary

AWE is seeking an experienced Laboratory Technician to join the Internal Dosimetry Service Team. The role involves analyzing biological samples, delivering internal dosimetry services, and contributing to method development and validation in a busy laboratory setting.

Working fully onsite, you will support radiation protection and ensure data quality for regulatory and programme requirements, while undertaking routine analytical tasks and report writing in a safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory, technical or scientific environment.
• Ability to follow procedures and quality requirements with accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Perform radiochemical techniques and analytical testing of biological samples.
• Interpret data and produce high-quality technical reports.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory activities including calibration and maintenance.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Analytical testing

Data analysis

Report writing

Safety compliance

Microsoft Office

Tools

Liquid scintillation counters

HPLC

ICP instrumentation

Alpha spectrometry systems

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

• 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.

We'd also 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

Benefits

• 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other