Laboratory Technician

RE Recruitment; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Temp-to-perm

37.5 hours per week

Cycle to Work

£15.05 per hour pay

23 days holiday incl. bank holidays?

Job summary

RE Recruitment is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join its busy dairy laboratory team in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. You will support sampling, microbiological, compositional and chemical testing within a fast-paced dairy manufacturing environment.

This temp-to-perm role offers 37.5 hours per week with rotating weekday/weekend shifts, and an hourly rate of £15.05. Training will cover HACCP, COSHH and food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Prioritise workload and multitask.
• Positive, proactive attitude and motivation.
• Good written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Carry out sampling and testing of raw milk and pasteurised dairy products.
• Complete microbiological testing using aseptic techniques.
• Carry out compositional and chemical testing including butterfat content, freezing point depression, alkaline phosphatase activity and antibiotic residue testing.
• Accurately interpret and record laboratory results.
• Monitor HACCP controls and support food safety compliance.
• Carry out water testing using titration methods.
• Complete and issue customer Certificates of Analysis based on laboratory results.
• Maintain laboratory areas in a clean, tidy and compliant condition.
• Follow COSHH, Health & Safety, Food Safety and Good Laboratory Practice requirements.
• Communicate clearly with the Laboratory Manager, Technical team and wider business.

Skills

Attention to detail

Fast-paced

Prioritisation

Independent work

Team player

Communication skills

MS Office

Weekend shifts

Deadline driven

Sensory testing

Education

GCSEs English/Math/Science

A-Level or equivalent in Biology/Chemistry

Job description

Laboratory Technician

Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Department: Laboratory / Technical
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Pay: £15.05 per hour
Contract: Temp-to-Perm
Working Pattern: Monday to Sunday, five-day rotating basis
Shift Times: Weekday shifts rotate between 05:30, 06:00, 07:00 and 12:00. Saturday at 08:00 and Sunday at 06:00.

The Role

An established, independent food manufacturing business is looking for a reliable, accurate and detail-focused Laboratory Technician to join its busy Laboratory team in Tewkesbury.

This position is being offered on a temp-to-perm basis, providing an excellent opportunity for the successful candidate to secure a permanent position following a successful temporary period.

The role supports the safety, quality and compliance of raw milk and pasteurised dairy products. You will support the delivery of a high-quality laboratory service through routine sampling, microbiological testing, compositional testing and chemical testing within a fast-paced dairy manufacturing environment.

If you take pride in accuracy, enjoy working to clear standards and want to be part of a team that genuinely cares about quality, food safety and doing things the right way, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out sampling and testing of raw milk and pasteurised dairy products
• Complete microbiological testing using aseptic techniques
• Carry out compositional and chemical testing, including butterfat content, freezing point depression, alkaline phosphatase activity and antibiotic residue testing
• Accurately interpret and record laboratory results
• Monitor HACCP controls and support food safety compliance
• Carry out water testing using titration methods
• Complete and issue customer Certificates of Analysis based on laboratory results
• Maintain laboratory areas in a clean, tidy and compliant condition
• Follow COSHH, Health & Safety, Food Safety and Good Laboratory Practice requirements
• Communicate clearly with the Laboratory Manager, Technical team and wider business
• Undertake other reasonable laboratory duties to support the efficient operation of the department

What We're Looking For

• Excellent attention to detail, with a strong focus on accuracy and precision
• Ability to work effectively in a busy, fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks at the same time
• Positive, proactive attitude with a high level of commitment and motivation
• Confidence working independently and as part of a team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office
• Ability to work a rotating shift pattern, including weekend shifts
• Ability to work to tight deadlines while maintaining high standards
• Willingness to participate in sensory testing, including evaluation of pasteurised dairy products

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous laboratory experience, ideally within the dairy or food industry
• Understanding of standard laboratory practices and accurate record keeping
• Knowledge of microbiology, food hygiene and food safety principles
• Understanding of HACCP and quality control standards
• Knowledge of dairy manufacturing processes and quality standards
• GCSEs or equivalent in English, Mathematics and Science
• A-Level or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry or a related scientific subject

Training & Development

You will receive practical training and support to help develop your laboratory knowledge, broaden your skill set and progress within the business.

Relevant training will include:

• COSHH
• Level 2 Food Safety
• Level 2 HACCP
• Dairy science and production
• Laboratory procedures and food safety standards

Benefits when Perm

• £15.05 per hour
• Temp-to-perm opportunity
• 37.5 hours per week
• 22 days' holiday plus bank holidays once permanent
• Additional day's holiday after 3 years' service
• Refer-a-friend bonus scheme of up to £500 per referral
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discounted products and delivery options
• Enhanced pension scheme via salary exchange
• Health and wellbeing support through Simply Health, including claim-back options for medical, optical and dental expenses
• Training, development and support from an experienced Laboratory and Technical team