Laboratory Technician - Planetary Materials & Geochemistry

Serco; Harwell; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Public transport reimbursement

Pension plan

Sports facilities access

Team events

Job summary

Serco at ESA‑ECSAT in Harwell, UK, seeks a hands-on laboratory professional to prepare and analyse geological materials and operate specialist instruments in support of planetary science and space exploration.

You will manage samples, ensure traceability, run routine calibration checks, maintain records and report results clearly, while collaborating within an international team and following safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience preparing and characterising geological or comparable materials.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and maintain accurate records.
• Experience operating and calibrating analytical laboratory equipment.
• Professional written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and characterise geological, mineral, soil and regolith samples.
• Operate, calibrate and check analytical and sample-preparation equipment.
• Record, quality-check and report analytical results clearly.
• Maintain sample traceability, storage and laboratory records.
• Keep procedures, calibration logs and maintenance schedules up to date.
• Resolve routine equipment issues and coordinate specialist support when needed.
• Support facility users, instrument bookings and safe laboratory operations.
• Manage consumables, suppliers and improvements to laboratory workflows.

Skills

Geology knowledge

Laboratory skills

Safety procedures

Analytical thinking

Education

Geology or related field degree

Tools

SEM/EDS

XRD

XRF

Job description

Join Serco, a trusted space services partner with more than 55 years of experience supporting ESA, NASA and other international space organisations across the full mission lifecycle.

Are you a hands‑on laboratory professional with experience in geology, geochemistry, analytical chemistry or materials science? Join our team at ESA‑ECSAT in Harwell, UK, and help support planetary science and space exploration. You will prepare and analyse geological materials, operate specialist instruments, manage samples and support researchers using ESA’s Sample Analogue Curation Facility.

What You Will Do

• Prepare and characterise geological, mineral, soil and regolith samples.
• Operate, calibrate and complete routine checks on analytical and sample-preparation equipment.
• Record, quality-check and report analytical results clearly.
• Maintain sample traceability, storage, inventory and laboratory records.
• Keep procedures, calibration logs and maintenance schedules up to date.
• Resolve routine equipment issues and coordinate specialist support when needed.
• Support facility users, instrument bookings and safe laboratory operations.
• Manage consumables, suppliers and improvements to laboratory workflows.

What You Will Bring

• A relevant qualification or equivalent training and laboratory experience in geology, geochemistry, analytical chemistry, materials science or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience preparing and characterising geological or comparable materials.
• Experience operating, calibrating and maintaining analytical laboratory equipment.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, maintain accurate records and produce clear technical reports.
• An organised, detail‑focused approach and confidence working in an international team.
• Professional written and spoken English.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

It Would Be An Advantage If You Also Have

• Experience with SEM/EDS, XRD, XRF, FTIR or Raman spectroscopy.
• Familiarity with ImageJ, MATLAB, Origin or similar software.
• Experience with planetary science, analogue samples or materials characterisation.
• Experience supporting laboratory users or managing sample traceability and inventory.

Role Information

This full‑time role is based mainly on‑site at ESA‑ECSAT in Harwell. You will use laboratory PPE, handle samples and chemicals safely, and meet site security requirements. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Contract, salary, working pattern and relocation details will be shared during recruitment.

De&i

At Serco, every voice matters. We welcome different perspectives, value individual contributions and work together to support our people, customers and communities.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and company benefits.
• Relocation support, subject to individual circumstances.
• Public transport reimbursement.
• Access to ECSAT sports and recreation facilities.
• Company pension contribution and team events.