Materials Laboratory Technician

Recircle; Daresbury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced Pension Scheme options after

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Recircle, a UK-based industrial biotechnology company, seeks a motivated Lab Assistant to join a hands-on, research-focused team. You’ll support laboratory research, conduct experiments, and help run day-to-day lab operations in a chemistry/biotech environment.

The role is ideal for a graduate with some hands-on experience, eager to learn, and capable of applying scientific thinking to practical problems while working in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Material Science.
• Experience following standard operating procedures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
• Experience working in a research laboratory.
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling practices.
• Experience with LC-MS, GC-MS, FTIR or TGA.
• Familiarity with mechanical testing instruments (tensometer, rheometer, hardness meter).
• Strong focus on innovation and a vibrant community of scientists from various educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme options after 12 months service
• Cycle to work scheme

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate laboratory records, documentation, and databases
• Support the R&D team in conducting research, testing, and experiments within a chemistry and biotechnology laboratory environment
• Perform chemical testing and sample preparation, including solvent extractions and use of standard laboratory equipment such as rotary evaporators
• Operate analytical and laboratory instruments (or learn to operate), including LC-MS, GC-MS, TGA, and FTIR
• Prepare samples for analytical runs and assist with data analysis and presentation of results.
• Conduct mechanical/physical tests including rheometry, tensile testing, hardness measurement, and abrasion testing
• Assist in the evaluation of rubber products, components, adhesives, and formulations
• Contribute to reverse-engineering projects and development of new rubber compounds
• Contribute to R&D projects focused on rubber recycling processes, material characterisation, and analysis of rubber formulation components
• Ensure a clean, safe, and well-organised laboratory environment, including ordering and managing laboratory chemicals and consumables

Skills

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Laboratory safety

Data analysis

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Material Science

Tools

LC-MS

GC-MS

FTIR

TGA

Rheometer

Tensile tester

Hardness meter

Job description

Recircle is a UK-based industrial biotechnology company focused on sustainable solutions for the rubber materials sector. Recircle has developed technologies that combine biotechnology with polymer chemistry and industrial process engineering to allow waste rubber to be reprocessed into high quality materials for re-use in new rubber goods. We're committed to building a world without waste. Our company culture is central to everything we do. We invest heavily in our people, personal development, and long-term career growth opportunities.

We are looking for a motivated, hands-on lab assistant who is looking to start building their career within a research focused team. You don’t need to know everything - we have an experienced team ready to train and support you -but you should be comfortable working in a laboratory, eager to learn, and able to apply scientific thinking to practical problems.

This role is ideal for a graduate with some hands-on experience who wants to develop their application and understanding and application of materials research.

The successful candidate will play an active role in supporting laboratory research, conducting experiments, and ensuring smooth day-to-day lab operations. We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic, and self-motivated individual who shares our values and is eager to learn, grow and adapt within a fast-paced and dynamic research environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate laboratory records, documentation, and databases
• Support the R&D team in conducting research, testing, and experiments within a chemistry and biotechnology laboratory environment
• Perform chemical testing and sample preparation, including solvent extractions and use of standard laboratory equipment such as rotary evaporators
• Operate analytical and laboratory instruments (or learn to operate), including LC-MS, GC-MS, TGA, and FTIR
• Prepare samples for analytical runs and assist with data analysis and presentation of results.
• Conduct mechanical/physical tests including rheometry, tensile testing, hardness measurement, and abrasion testing
• Assist in the evaluation of rubber products, components, adhesives, and formulations
• Contribute to reverse-engineering projects and development of new rubber compounds
• Contribute to R&D projects focused on rubber recycling processes, material characterisation, and analysis of rubber formulation components
• Ensure a clean, safe, and well-organised laboratory environment, including ordering and managing laboratory chemicals and consumables

Key experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Material Science
• Experience following standard operating procedures
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
• Experience working in a research laboratory
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling practices
• Experience with LC-MS, GC-MS, FTIR or TGA
• Familiarity with mechanical testing instruments (tensometer, rheometer, hardness meter)
• Strong focus on innovation and a vibrant community of scientists from various educational and cultural backgrounds
• Enhanced Pension Scheme options after 12 months service
• Cycle to work scheme

Remuneration

• A competitive market salary will be offered to the successful candidate