R&D Support Technician

TN United Kingdom; Wantage; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated R&D support technician to enhance laboratory functions for materials and product development. This role is pivotal in testing and evaluating packaging materials, ensuring quality standards, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. You will collaborate with a dynamic team, utilizing your practical skills and laboratory experience to drive innovation and efficiency. If you are passionate about materials science and eager to contribute to impactful projects, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory settings with a focus on materials testing.
• Proficient in data recording and analysis using computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tests on packaging materials and evaluate their performance.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure quality and compliance.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Practical skills with minimal supervision

Competence in operating equipment and machinery

Ability to record, summarize, and present data

Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Good verbal and written communication skills

Creativity and problem-solving abilities

Science or engineering A-levels, NVQ Level 3, or degree

Experience in the steel/tinplate/polymer packaging industry

Skills in managing materials evaluations

Education

Science or engineering A-levels

NVQ Level 3

Degree in relevant field

Job description

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The R&D support technician role supports the laboratory functions for Materials, Product Development Projects, Qualifications, and Failure Investigation. The main activities include testing, data gathering, recording, and interpreting data to support materials qualifications and technical support. The role involves using laboratory equipment at a setter level, preparing chemical solutions, and handling packaging materials.

This position is fixed-term until April.

Key Responsibilities

1. Characterisation and Evaluation of Packaging Materials

• Develop knowledge of prime materials, coatings, print, and other material requirements to support cross-functional activities within the labs.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot line tests of packaging materials, metal containers, and ends.
• Evaluate container performance through physical and chemical testing.
• Collaborate with project managers, material scientists, and other technicians to determine appropriate testing methods.
• Gather, interpret, and record data using computers and online systems.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment and pilot line machinery.
• Deliver technical data to support projects and service work.

Laboratory Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to maintaining and supporting continuous improvement, safety, and quality standards by ensuring work instructions, risk assessments, 5S, documentation audits, training records, and equipment maintenance are up-to-date and compliant.
• Participate in ongoing improvements of laboratories, equipment, capabilities, knowledge management, and best practices transfer.
• Report lab priority issues or conflicts of interest to management.
• Participate in technical tours with visitors.

Key Skills

• Laboratory experience
• Practical skills with minimal supervision
• Competence in operating equipment and machinery
• Ability to record, summarize, and present data
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Creativity and problem-solving abilities
• Science or engineering A-levels, NVQ Level 3, or degree
• Experience in the steel/tinplate/polymer packaging industry
• Skills in managing materials evaluations