Microbiology Laboratory Technician

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland; Burton upon Trent; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Electric car scheme

Employee recognition programmes

Family-friendly support

Exclusive retail discounts

Employee assistance programmes

Enhanced company pension

Job summary

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is seeking a Microbiology Laboratory Technician to support environmental monitoring and water sampling in the Environment & Safety division. You will assist in daily microbiology lab operations, prepare samples, and help produce UKAS-accredited results.

You will work with the Laboratory Team Leader to maintain quality, safety and timely reporting, while developing skills in bacteriological analyses and environmental compliance testing across a range of matrices.

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience or a strong interest in developing laboratory skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to accurately analyse and interpret data.
• A positive, proactive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage workloads to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Follow standard operating procedures, and adhere to training, to prepare plate counts and membrane filtration of samples.
• Analysis of samples, to include water, soils, swabs, fuels and other microbiological matrices, for the following: E. Coli/Coliforms; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Legionella sp.; TVCs.
• Ensure client sample collection and testing requirements are met accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Complete laboratory test sheets, including recording raw data, calculations and interpretation of results.
• Liaise with the Laboratory Team Leader and Technical Manager to coordinate workloads and manage testing schedules.
• Prepare accurate technical reports in accordance with quality assurance procedures and company standards.
• Work in line with company QHSE policies, maintaining high standards of health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency and client service delivery.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients on a daily basis, providing updates and responding to queries as required.
• Maintain a safe working environment, identifying and reporting potential hazards or risks to yourself and others.
• Promptly report any equipment faults, abnormal working conditions or unusual test results to the Laboratory Team Leader.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards, ensuring laboratory and working areas remain clean, tidy and free from unnecessary clutter or waste.
• Be physically capable of undertaking on-site testing, including the handling and transportation of testing equipment.
• Demonstrate flexibility, a positive attitude and a willingness to support the wider team with additional duties as required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork / collaboration

Organisational skills

Education

Laboratory experience

Job description

• Department: CEN-SNO - Environmental Compliance - North
• Business Unit: Environmental

Company Description

About Environment & Safety SOCOTEC’s Environment and Safety team provides expert environmental, health and safety consultancy and compliance services that help organisations manage risk, protect people and safeguard the environment. Our services include environmental monitoring and consultancy, water safety and hygiene solutions with Legionella risk assessments and water system management, fire safety consultancy and inspections, occupational hygiene assessments and workplace exposure monitoring, and specialist advisory support on regulatory and sustainability challenges. We use industry-leading tools and science-based approaches to deliver accurate data, practical guidance and innovative solutions that ensure compliance with UK legislation, minimise environmental impact and create healthier, safer workplaces for clientsWhat's in it for you? Your expertise deserves recognition. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday (with the option to buy more), an electric car scheme (where applicable), employee recognition programmes, family-friendly support, exclusive retail discounts, employee assistance programmes, and an enhanced company pension. SOCOTEC UK & Ireland are proud to be Disability Confident accredited.

Job Description

Microbiology Laboratory Technician

Are you interested in environmental monitoring and water sampling? This could be your opportunity to excel as an Environmental Field Technician, playing a vital role in supporting SOCOTEC’s continued success.

As SOCOTEC grows, so do our teams. We’re looking for a dedicated Environmental Field Technician to join our Environment & Safety division and wear the SOCOTEC badge with pride.

We are looking for a proactive, reliable and detail-oriented Microbiology Laboratory Technician to join our team. In this role, you’ll support the daily operations of the Microbiology Laboratory, carrying out routine laboratory preparation and testing to ensure accurate and reliable results. You’ll be responsible for following correct laboratory handling procedures, maintaining high quality standards and supporting laboratory housekeeping and quality requirements. You’ll work closely with colleagues, contributing to the smooth running of the laboratory while demonstrating a flexible and positive approach. You will also assist in preparing technical reports containing UKAS-accredited laboratory results.

The tasks you will undertake will include (but are not limited to):

• Follow standard operating procedures, and adhere to training, to prepare plate counts and membrane filtration of samples
• Analysis of samples, to include water, soils, swabs, fuels and other microbiological matrices, for the following:
  • E. Coli/Coliforms
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Legionella sp. incl. L. pneumophila
  • TVCs
• Ensure client sample collection and testing requirements are met accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Complete laboratory test sheets, including recording raw data, calculations and interpretation of results.
• Liaise with the Laboratory Team Leader and Technical Manager to coordinate workloads and manage testing schedules.
• Prepare accurate technical reports in accordance with quality assurance procedures and company standards.
• Work in line with company QHSE policies, maintaining high standards of health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency and client service delivery.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients on a daily basis, providing updates and responding to queries as required.
• Maintain a safe working environment, identifying and reporting potential hazards or risks to yourself and others.
• Promptly report any equipment faults, abnormal working conditions or unusual test results to the Laboratory Team Leader.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards, ensuring laboratory and working areas remain clean, tidy and free from unnecessary clutter or waste.
• Be physically capable of undertaking on-site testing, including the handling and transportation of testing equipment.
• Demonstrate flexibility, a positive attitude and a willingness to support the wider team with additional duties as required.

Qualifications

To be a successful Microbiology Laboratory Technician, you should be able to demonstrate:

• Previous laboratory experience or a strong interest in developing laboratory skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to accurately analyse and interpret data.
• A positive, proactive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage workloads to meet deadlines.

Additional Information

Why SOCOTEC?

Join a thriving community of over 2,000 industry professionals who are passionate about making a real difference. At SOCOTEC UK, we're not just delivering services - we're shaping the future of testing, inspection, and certification across the nation.

What sets us apart? Our people. We've built our reputation on attracting exceptional talent like you and empowering them to deliver excellence at every turn. Our comprehensive range of TIC services means you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse, challenging projects that truly matter.

In this role, you won't just be another employee - you'll be a key player in our continued success story. Your expertise will directly contribute to our mission of building a safer, more sustainable world, while you grow your career alongside some of the industry's finest professionals.

Build a traditional career path or explore opportunities across multiple disciplines - all within SOCOTEC. Your choice, your direction.

Work Your Way

Local, national, or global projects. Office-based, remote, or hybrid. We offer the flexibility that empowers you to perform at your best.

Committed to Your Growth

From day one, you'll have access to comprehensive training, mentorship, and development programs. We support every step of your professional journey. #YouGrowWeGrow

Building a safer and more sustainable world is the core mission we set out to achieve at SOCOTEC, it is at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to acting as a key player in society, investing in innovative solutions to ensure social and environmental concerns are at the forefront of all of our business operations.