Technician

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted on-site parking

Cycle-to-work scheme

Job summary

Aston University is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join the Laboratory Operations team on a 12-month fixed-term contract in Birmingham. The role supports teaching and research facilities across Biosciences, Pharmaceutics and Neuroscience, providing day-to-day technical assistance.

You will work closely with academic staff and students, ensuring laboratories run safely, smoothly and effectively. A degree in a relevant subject is essential, with training provided as needed.

Qualifications

• Relevant science degree or equivalent qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a laboratory setting and support teaching/learning.
• Strong communication and organisational skills with a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with academic stakeholders and technical colleagues to support teaching programmes.
• Preparing laboratories, materials and equipment for practical sessions, including purchasing chemicals and consumables.
• Demonstrating and instructing students in practical techniques.
• Assisting with inventories, purchasing, stock control and waste management.
• Promoting safe working practices and ensuring laboratory compliance with health and safety standards.
• Contributing to a collaborative, inclusive team environment and sharing knowledge.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Job description

Salary: £27,319 to £29,588per annum, depending on experience

Grade: Grade 06

ContractType: Fixed Term(12 months)

Basis: Full Time

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours GMT on Friday 06 November 2026

InterviewDate: Monday 07 December 2026

Reference: 1536-26

ReleaseDate: Friday 09 October 2026

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Aston University is a leading university in the heart of Birmingham, known for its focus on employability, real‑world impact and an inclusive, supportive culture. The School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences delivers high-quality, practice-focused teaching in well-equipped laboratories, providing an excellent environment for staff and students to develop their skills and careers.

The opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our amazing technical team within School Operations on a 12-month fixed term contract to provide maternity cover. We are seeking a proactive, reliable individual to join our team which supports teaching and research facilities in the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences.

The successful candidate will join the Laboratory Operations team, where you will provide day to day technical support for our teaching facilities across Biosciences, Pharmaceutics, and Neuroscience subject groups. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will work closely with technical colleagues, academic staff, and students to ensure our laboratories run smoothly, safely, and effectively. The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Liaising with academic stakeholders and technical colleaguesto understand and support teaching programmes.
• Preparing laboratories, materials, and equipment for practical class sessions including purchasing chemicals and consumables.
• Demonstrating and instructing students in practical techniques.
• Assisting with inventories, purchasing, stock control, consumable issues, storekeeping, deliveries and laboratory waste management.
• Promoting safe working practices, providing health and safety advice, and ensuring laboratory facilities are compliant.
• Contributing positively to a supportive, inclusive and collaborative team environment, working effectively with colleagues, and supporting the sharing of knowledge, skills, and best practices.

About you

We are looking for a practical, organised, proactive individual with a strong commitment to teamwork and customer service. You will thrive in a busy, dynamic environment and enjoy working collaboratively with a diverse range of people, from students to academic staff and external suppliers. Excellent communication skills and a strong attention to detail are essential for supporting practical classes and demonstrating equipment.

The successful candidate will hold a degree or equivalent qualifications in a subject relevant to the role, experience of working in a laboratory setting in Pharmaceutics or Biosciences is essential although full training will be provided.

Working at Aston

We are committed to the Technician Commitment and to supporting the career development of technical staff across all disciplines. You will be supported to undertake a range of training and development activity, as a minimum, you will undertake relevant technical and health & safety training.

Aston University is located within Birmingham city centre and benefits from excellent transport links by bus and train. Discounted on-site parking and a cycle-to-work scheme are also available. Information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here .

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at [e-mail]