Laboratory Technician Apprentice

UK Shared Business Services Ltd; Saltburn by the Sea; On-site; GBP 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific organization seeks motivated individuals for a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship in Saltburn by the Sea. Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience and formal training while working in a collaborative environment. Duties include monitoring equipment and participating in scientific outreach. Ideal candidates should possess GCSEs in Maths and English and show a keen interest in science and technology. This is a full-time apprenticeship with an annual salary of £19,514 that increases throughout the program.

Benefits

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn in the workplace.
• Confident using Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Willingness to develop technical skills through hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Control, monitor, and adjust laboratory equipment safely.
• Assist with the calibration and maintenance of lab instruments.
• Participate in public engagement and outreach events.

Skills

Interest in science and technology

Ability to work in a team

Problem-solving skills

Education

GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above)

A Level in Maths or Physics A-C or BTEC L3 in Engineering

Job description

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 28 months

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

Location: Boulby Underground Science Facility, Boulby Mine Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland TS13 4UZ

Closing Date: Sunday, 2nd February 2026

Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026

Start Date: September 2026

About an Apprenticeship at STFC

We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands‑on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real‑world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting‑edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Why join the Boulby Underground Laboratory Team at STFC?

The Boulby Underground Laboratory has a tight‑knit team of about 25 people working in a diverse range of roles. You will be joining our science support team which works in close collaboration with many groups both national and international.

From collaborating with people from all over the world, to contributing to high‑profile breakthroughs, you’ll be right in the middle of exciting, world‑class science with people who genuinely love what they do.

Qualifications gained

Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship

BTEC in Applied Science

https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-2

What you’ll learn

• To work safely in a laboratory
• To follow quality procedures
• Regulatory requirements of the industry and laboratory
• Technical skills to fulfil your role
• How to produce, analyse and interpret data, including the application of statistical techniques
• To communicate scientific information appropriately
• To use appropriate scientific methods to identify the causes of problems and produce solutions

Training provider

Cogent Skills: https://cogentskills.com/

Delivery -Instructor‑led virtual learning, online self‑study and two 3‑day residentials

Regular one‑to‑one coaching sessions with an assessor

What You’ll Be Doing

Your responsibilities will include working in the underground and surface laboratories to safely control, monitor, and adjust equipment and processes in compliance with all departmental safety standards. You will report and investigate deviations from normal operating conditions and will be able to deal with basic process anomalies. You will work with cryogenic and gas flow systems, pressure vessels, particle detectors and a range of other laboratory equipment.

Part of your development will include assisting with the calibration and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and contributing to the upkeep of the lab environment. You’ll also work collaboratively with teams across various departments, fostering strong communication and teamwork.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in numerous public engagement and outreach events during your time with us.

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above)
• An A Level in Maths or Physics A-C, or a BTEC L3 in Engineering – consideration will be given to applicants without these qualifications as additional Maths units can be included if necessary
• A genuine interest in science, engineering, or technology and the work of STFC
• An interest in how things work and a willingness to develop technical skills through hands‑on experience
• An awareness of basic health and safety
• Confident using a computer, especially tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Pride in getting things just right
• Willingness to take initiative and work independently or in a team, with guidance available
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training
• Good at keeping things on track and getting tasks done on time
• Enjoys solving problems, thinking things through, and coming up with ideas that work

Important – Applicants must be 18 years of age or older when they start the position to comply with site health and Safety regulations.

Important Information

• To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GCSEs in Summer 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
• When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.
• The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.

Employee Benefits

• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy.
• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

How to apply

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world‑leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!

Employee Benefits

• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy.
• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

How to apply

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world‑leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!