Laboratory Technician Apprentice

UKRI India; Saltburn by the Sea; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organisation is looking for a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join the Boulby Underground Science Facility. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience while working towards the Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship. This full-time role includes monitoring equipment, assisting in lab maintenance, and engaging in outreach activities. Applicants should have GCSEs in Maths and English and either A-Levels or BTEC qualifications. The position offers salary progression and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Salary increases annually through apprenticeship

30 days holiday plus 10.5 bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Defined pension scheme

Public transport links and free parking

Excellent learning opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• GCSEs in Maths and English are required.
• A-Level in Maths or Physics or BTEC L3 in Engineering is preferred.
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook) are needed.

Responsibilities

• Control and monitor equipment in compliance with safety standards.
• Assist with calibration and maintenance of lab instruments.
• Participate in public engagement and outreach events.

Skills

Interest in science

Technical skills

Problem-solving

Willingness to learn

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

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

Are you passionate about discovery and ready to take your first step into the world of laboratory science? Join our team as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice and gain hands‑on experience while working towards being a fully qualified technician.

The Boulby Underground Laboratory is located at Boulby Mine on the north‑east coast of England, on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. It is the UK’s deep underground science facility and has hosted deep underground research since the 1990s. The site offers a quiet environment, largely free of natural background radiation, ideal for studies in astrophysics (including the search for dark matter), ultra‑low background material screening, geophysics, climate science, and extremophile biology. Learn more at boulby.stfc.ac.uk.

About an Apprenticeship at STFC

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands‑on experience. The apprenticeship provides real‑world experience, structured training, mentorship, workshops, and career development support. You will work in a dynamic, supportive environment with a tight‑knit team of about 25 people in the science support division.

Qualifications Gained

• Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship
• BTEC in Applied Science (details at skillsengland.gov.uk)

What You’ll Learn

• Working safely in a laboratory
• Following quality procedures and regulatory requirements
• Technical skills to fulfil your role
• Producing, analysing and interpreting data, including statistics
• Communicating scientific information appropriately
• Identifying problems and producing solutions using scientific methods

Training Provider

Cogent Skills: 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 – Day‑to‑day Responsibilities

Your responsibilities include working in both 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, handle basic process anomalies, and work with cryogenic and gas flow systems, pressure vessels, particle detectors and other laboratory equipment.

Part of your development will involve assisting with calibration and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments, contributing to lab upkeep, and fostering strong communication and teamwork across departments.

You will also have opportunities to participate in public engagement and outreach events.

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) – scored in shortlisting (S)
• Either an A‑Level in Maths or Physics (A‑C), or a BTEC L3 in Engineering – scored in shortlisting (S). Applicants without these qualifications may be considered if additional Maths units are included.
• Genuine interest in science, engineering or technology, particularly STFC work – scored in shortlisting/interview (S/I)
• Interest in how things work and willingness to develop technical skills through hands‑on experience – scored in shortlisting/interview (S/I)
• Basic health and safety awareness – interview only (I)
• Confidence using a computer (Word, Excel, Outlook) – shortlisting (S)
• Pride in precision and quality – interview only (I)
• Initiative and ability to work independently or in a team, with guidance when needed – scored in shortlisting/interview (S/I)
• Enthusiasm and motivation to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training – scored in shortlisting/interview (S/I)
• Time‑management and task completion – interview only (I)
• Problem‑solving and idea generation – interview only (I)

Important Information

• Evidence of 9–4 or A*-C GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English is required. If applying in Summer 2026, evidence of predicted grades is needed.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older when the position starts.
• Residency eligibility must be met. Check eligibility at gov.uk.
• Applicants provide an initial assessment during the application process. Include transcripts of any relevant qualifications.

We will be in touch after the closing date; for questions, email [e-mail].

Employee Benefits

• Salary increases annually through the apprenticeship.
• 30 days holiday (plus 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• Defined average salary pension scheme.
• Public transport links and free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

For a full list of benefits, visit UKRI benefits page.

Immigration: This job does not meet the UK Government minimum criterion for sponsored migrant worker status. Sponsorship will not be granted for candidates who are not eligible to work in the UK. All shortlisted candidates must bring identification documents and proof of right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Only online applications are accepted. Submit a CV and cover letter that addresses each essential criterion and outlines how you meet them, including motivation for UKRI and the role. Include the job reference number in the file names. Failure to provide a cover letter may result in application not being considered. Applicants may submit up to two applications per candidate. The role holder must meet appropriate security screening/vetting requirements.

For more information, visit STFC or STFC Careers.