Laboratory Technician

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Reading; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Pension scheme 9-13%

Family leave (Maternity/Paternity)

Professional development funding

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance 4x salary

Discounts

Special Leave Policy

Job summary

Atomic Weapons Establishment is seeking an experienced Laboratory Technician to join the Internal Dosimetry Service Team. You will analyze biological samples and deliver internal dosimetry services using radiochemical and analytical techniques, supporting dose assessments and safety compliance.

The role combines hands-on laboratory work with data analysis, report writing and equipment calibration, contributing to high-quality scientific data for regulatory and programme needs.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a laboratory, technical or scientific environment.
• Ability to follow written procedures, work instructions and quality requirements with high 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.
• 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.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development to achieve and maintain competency status.

Responsibilities

• Perform 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.

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.

Ready to play your part? At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part? 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.

Experience we’d like to see

• 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

Work hard, be rewarded:

In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

• 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.

Important things you need to know:

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.

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

If you’re looking for a role with excitement, intrigue and something that really makes a difference then now is the time to join AWE. We are at the start of a once in a generation – possibly two generations – programme to design and produce a replacement warhead for the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent. We will do this while continuing to deliver the Trident programme as well as managing ambitious state‑of‑the‑art capital and construction projects – some of which have never been done before. Find out more on our website.