Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice - Merck Life Science UK Ltd

Futures Job Shop 002; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life science company is offering a Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice position in Haverhill. The role focuses on DNA molecule manufacturing, with a comprehensive 2-year structured training. Responsibilities include operating automated synthesisers and conducting various laboratory analyses. Candidates are required to have 5 GCSEs including Math's and English at grade C or above. The apprenticeship provides a clear pathway into a future role within the company.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including Math's and English grade C or above or 4/5 (new grading)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Wear appropriate PPE and inform supervisor of potential safety hazards.
• Operating automated synthesisers for manufacturing DNA and RNA.
• Operating High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) purification systems.

Skills

Initiative

Education

5 GCSEs including Math's and English grade C or above

Job description

Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice - Merck Life Science UK Ltd

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About

14th October 2025

Our UK oligo manufacturing plant operates twenty-four hours a day, 5 per week with around eighty employees to meet the fast delivery expectations of these made-to-order products. DNA is everywhere and continues to advance life science research and genomic discoveries that ultimately improve our everyday health and lives.

Our Haverhill site is the United Kingdom's number one supplier of DNA molecules for research. In fact, our oligo products contributed in the research of decoding the human genome. Our UK oligo manufacturing plant operates twenty-four hours a day, 5 per week with around eighty employees to meet the fast delivery expectations.

Year 1:

• Wear appropriate PPE and inform supervisor of potential safety hazards
• Properly dispose of waste and hazardous materials and comply with all safety HS&E guidelines at all times.
• Understanding and Participating to Lean Manufacturing under a 6S Standard.
• Working in a fast-paced, complex, and on-demand manufacturing environment.
• Evolving into, updating, and using a complex LIM system (CPP) for the manufacturing operations
• Following Work Instruction and Filling Production Logs according to good manufacturing practices
• Operating in and Upholding EHS standards at all times.
• Preparation of Reagents and Buffers for the chemical manufacturing of Nucleic Acids
• Operating automated synthesisers for the manufacturing of DNA, RNA and their modifications, ensuring minimal machine downtime and prioritize tasks to maximize personal output.
• Performing automated and manual downstream deprotection steps.
• Preparing samples for submission to the Quality Control Department
• Perform in-line and pre-synthesis checks of synthesis equipment.
• Monitor and record visual verification. Monitor chemical usage at end of synthesis and report inconsistencies.
• Operating Liquid Handling equipment for various Production steps
• Operating various Drying equipment
• Various bench work involving pipetting, weighing and other lab bench equipment
• Performing in-tube downstream chemical reactions.

Year 2:

• Operating High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) purification systems
• Operating Reverse Phase Cartridge (RPC) purification systems
• Collecting and managing purification fractions
• Performing DNA quantification using Optical Density measuring equipment
• Performing aliquoting and concentration adjustment tasks
• Operating Large Scale synthesisers and purification systems
• Performing mix of products and duplex formation of nucleic acids.
• Performing PAGE gel purification of nucleic acids
• Preparing samples for Mass Spectroscopy
• Performing Mass Spectroscopy on both MALDI-TOF and ESI instrumentation
• Making interpretation on Mass Spectra and providing guidelines for Production.
• Performing HPLC and UPLC analytical assessment
• Performing Product release visual checks
• Validation of samples and loading them onto Automation Instrumentation

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs including Math's and English grade C or above or 4/5 (new grading) - Essential.
Apprentices without English and Maths can be assessed by the college and if necessary can take these subjects alongside the apprenticeship.

Skills required

• Initiative

Training to be provided

The learner will be studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science Apprenticeship Standard Qualification.

Things to consider

The work would be carried out at our site in Haverhill, Suffolk. Working days - 5 days per week (Monday to Friday with Tuesday at college during term time). We are based on an industrial estate (not on direct bus routes). Parking is available.

If a vacancy is available at the end of the 2 year period, applicants are welcome to apply for that vacancy.

Closing Date

The closing date for this job offer is on 31/10/2025

£ 14722 per year

Location

This job is located inHaverhill, Suffolk

West Suffolk College is an ambitious vocational and academic College, with a stunning main campus set in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. We are committed to providing outstanding education to all our students.