Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship

I & F Limited (T/A Skills4Group); Cambridge; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

I & F Limited (T/A Skills4Group) in Cambridge are seeking a motivated and practical Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join our laboratory team, earning while you learn towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.

You will perform routine techniques, assist in protein-related experiments, and maintain accurate records in electronic notebooks, with supervision and formal coursework as part of the apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths, English and science at grade 4-9.
• Degree in biological sciences or related field or relevant lab experience.
• Willingness to learn and work in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Support expression, purification, and characterisation of recombinant proteins.
• Perform routine lab techniques including pipetting and chromatography.
• Record data accurately in electronic lab notebooks.
• Assist in following SOPs and experimental plans.

Skills

Work unsupervised

Writing skills

Computers / typing

Data analysis

Safety awareness

Driving licence

Education

Biological sciences degree

Tools

Benchling

Job description

Cambridge, CB10 1XL - We are looking for a motivated and practical Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join our laboratory team. This is a great opportunity to earn while you learn, developing hands‑on laboratory skills while working towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.

Qualifications Required

GCSEs in Maths, English, and a science subject (or equivalent) at grade 4-9 or equivalent.

Personal Qualities

• Ability to work unsupervised following a planned work schedule
• Writing and numeracy skills
• Familiarity with computers / keyboards / typing skills
• Word, Excel, Access – statistics, graphs, data analysis
• General awareness of importance of safety, and in particular safety issues of working in a laboratory.
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own transport is preferred due to the location of the workplace.

Skills Required

• Ability to work unsupervised following a planned work schedule
• Basic writing and numeracy skills
• Familiarity with computers / keyboards / typing skills
• Word, Excel, Access – statistics, graphs, data analysis
• General awareness of importance of safety, and in particular safety issues of working in a laboratory.

Training to be Provided

Laboratory Technician Level 3

Future Prospects

Because of the technical experience you will gain from working in a laboratory, you will gain skills which many graduates have yet to develop. If you have practical ability, ability to solve problems and good communication skills there are opportunities for progression towards higher qualifications.

We are looking for an Apprentice Protein Scientist to join an innovative and fast-paced scientific team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is passionate about science and eager to develop a career within laboratory research and protein science. The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate in a relevant scientific discipline such as Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field. We will also consider candidates who have previous laboratory experience, whether gained through employment, university placements, internships, or research projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the expression, purification, and characterisation of recombinant proteins.
• Perform routine laboratory techniques including pipetting, buffer preparation, chromatography, and sample analysis.
• Assist in executing experimental plans, following established protocols and SOPs.
• Accurately record experimental data in electronic lab notebooks (e.g. Benchling).

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Process and analyse experimental data under supervision.
• Maintain clear and accurate documentation of results, ensuring traceability.
• Contribute to data presentation in team meetings.

Equipment & Laboratory Operations

• Operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment (e.g. centrifuges, FPLC systems, spectrophotometers).
• Maintain laboratory consumables and stock levels.
• Support calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment.

Quality, Compliance and Safety

• Follow all laboratory health & safety procedures and risk assessments.
• Work in accordance with internal quality systems and good scientific practice.
• Ensure accurate documentation aligned with traceability and audit standards.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively within the Protein Sciences team and with cross-functional groups.
• Actively participate in training, coursework, and apprenticeship requirements.
• Demonstrate continuous improvement in technical and professional skills.

Skills & Competencies Required

Essential

• Strong interest in protein science, molecular biology, or biotechnology.
• Basic understanding of biological or chemical principles.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow protocols and accurately record data.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A proactive approach to learning and development.

Desirable

• Prior laboratory experience (academic or industrial).
• Awareness of protein purification or molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with data handling using R or python.
• Understanding of quality systems (e.g. ISO or GMP environments).

Qualifications

• A degree or certification in biological sciences, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field. Alternatively, this could be substituted with proven experience working in an industrial laboratory environment.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The work environment is approximately 80% laboratory and 20% office based. Some manual handling or lifting is anticipated for this role to move bulk reagents or products. The laboratory will have specific risk factors and working procedures that will need to be adhered to. Lone laboratory working is permitted for this role with the requisite training and risk management.

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BESbswy