Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship

Skills 4 Pharmacy; Little Walden; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Skills 4 Pharmacy offers an apprenticeship within the Protein Sciences team, combining structured academic learning with hands-on laboratory experience in recombinant protein development, production and characterisation. The apprentice will develop practical skills in molecular biology and protein science while contributing to ongoing R&D projects.

Working closely with experienced scientists, the apprentice will assist in experimental design, data generation and analysis, and will build strong

Qualifications

• Interest in protein science, molecular biology, or biotechnology.
• GCSEs in Maths, English and science at grade 4–9 or equivalent.
• Degree or proven experience in an industrial lab preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support expression, purification and characterisation of recombinant proteins.
• Perform routine lab techniques and record data accurately.
• Assist in executing experimental plans and SOPs.
• Process and analyse data under supervision, maintaining traceability.
• Operate standard lab equipment and maintain stock levels.
• Follow safety procedures and quality systems; ensure documentation is audit-ready.
• Collaborate with the Protein Sciences team and participate in training.

Skills

Protein science interest

Molecular biology

Data handling with R or Python

Communication and teamwork

Proactive learning

Education

GCSEs in Maths, English, and a science subject (4-9)

Degree in biological sciences/biotechnology/microbiology/biochemistry or related field

Tools

Benchling

FPLC systems

Spectrophotometers

Centrifuges

Chromatography

Job description

This apprenticeship will support the Protein Sciences team in the development, production, and characterisation of recombinant proteins that underpin biomodal's technology platform. It combines structured academic learning with hands-on laboratory experience. The apprentice will develop practical skills in molecular biology and protein science, while contributing to ongoing R&D projects. Working closely with experienced scientists, the apprentice will assist in experimental design, data generation, and analysis, whilst building a strong foundation in laboratory best practice, safety, and data integrity.

Laboratory & Experimental Work

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Working Week

Mon-Fri

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.

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.

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.