Part Time Microbiology Laboratory Assistant

Environmental Chemistry Testing Limited; Leicester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plan

Contributory pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Workwear provided

Regular paid overtime

Job summary

Environmental Chemistry Testing Limited (ECT), part of the Phenna Group, operates a microbiology laboratory in Leicester city centre and provides chemistry and microbiology testing for UK clients across sectors from residential to infrastructure. We seek enthusiastic Laboratory Assistants with training provided to grow within the team.

Initially, you will support laboratory operations, develop basic skills over six months, and have opportunities to progress toward a Laboratory Technician role as

Qualifications

• Good oral, written and numeracy skills.
• GCSE grade C/5 or above in maths and science.
• Computer literate.

Responsibilities

• Assist Laboratory Technicians with housekeeping and general laboratory support tasks.
• Prepare essential microbiological growth media and reagents.
• Prepare environmental water samples for microbiological analysis, including filtration and other sample processing procedures.
• Ensure all testing is carried out to high safety, quality and efficiency standards.
• Follow ISO17025 Quality Management System procedures.
• Keep accurate records and files.
• Check, clean, calibrate and maintain test equipment.

Skills

Numeracy

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Education

GCSE maths and science (C/5)

Job description

The role

With laboratory facilities in Leicester and Poole, Environmental Chemistry Testing Limited (ECT), a Phenna Group company, partners with clients across the UK to provide a comprehensive range of chemistry and microbiology testing services. These services support all sectors of the construction industry, including residential, commercial, rail, road, airports, tunnelling, mining, utilities, and brownfield regeneration projects.

Due to recent expansion and increasing workload we are looking for enthusiastic and motivated Laboratory Assistants to join our team, previous experience is not required as we will provide all of the training necessary for you to succeed and progress within our microbiology laboratory based Leicester city centre.

The successful candidates will possess exceptional attention to detail and thrive in a fast-paced working environment.

Responsibilities

• Assisting Laboratory Technicians with housekeeping and general laboratory support tasks.
• Preparing essential microbiological growth media and reagents.
• Preparing environmental water samples for microbiological analysis, including filtration and other required sample processing procedures
• Ensuring that all laboratory testing is carried out to high standards of safety, quality and efficiency.
• Follow all procedural requirements as set out by the ISO17025 Quality Management System.
• Ensuring that adequate and proper records are kept and filed correctly.
• Ensuring test equipment is checked, cleaned, calibrated and suitable for use.

Specific requirements

• Good oral, written and numeracy skills
• GCSE grade C / 5 or above in maths and science
• Computer literate
• Previous laboratory experience would be advantageous

Your Journey with ECT

At ECT, we offer a career, not just a job. Gain valuable hands‑on laboratory experience while you study, with support to help you succeed in your education. Become part of our team and discover how a fully operational commercial laboratory works, developing practical skills and knowledge to support your future career in science.

In your first six months you will develop your basic skills as well as become fully proficient in a range of duties as an Environmental Laboratory Assistant. On successful completion of your studies, there may also be the opportunity to progress into a full‑time Laboratory Technician position, allowing you to continue your career journey with ECT.

Once at Level two, your skills and knowledge will grow further. Within around 12 - 18 months your next step is Level 3, to achieve this level you will be able to demonstrate the ability to work autonomously completing all required tasks correctly and on time.

From Level 3 onwards each progression step is matched with a pay rise ensuring that your personal development is kept step in step with your earnings. The speed at which you progress is ultimately down to you and how you apply yourself in the role.

What we offer

• Hourly pay rate £12.71
• 8 & 16 hour working week contracts available
• Regular paid overtime opportunity
• Pro‑rata holiday pay
• Workwear provided
• Healthcare plan
• Contributory pension scheme
• Perkbox rewards platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Tech pack purchasing scheme
• Personal development and training
• Enjoyable and fulfilling work environment

Our Values

Think Customer

Our customer is the focus of everything we do and through them we maximise our reputation and growth.

Speed and Agility

Own it. Be Bold. Take Action. Get it done.

Be Transparent

We are open and honest and act with integrity at all times.

Work Together

We work and collaborate as one team and look out for our fellow colleagues.

Act Responsibly

Fearless in taking accountability, we give responsibility to other and treat everyone with courtesy dignity and respect.

Be Proud

We celebrate our achievements, learn from our experiences, and take pride in all we do.

About Phenna Group

Headquartered in Nottingham, UK, Phenna Group's aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, ensuring customers' peace of mind by delivering first class assurance and consultancy services. With a diverse portfolio of companies across the Built Environment, Infrastructure, Niche Industrials, Food and Life Sciences and Compliance and Certifications, Phenna Group is dedicated to supporting customers in regulated sectors by delivering mission‑critical services with a focus on quality and deliverability.