Laboratory Technician Apprentice

Hours: Full time - 37 Hours
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 2 Years 
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing date: 16th February 2025

ISIS are seeking a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to work across our multi-disciplinary laboratories. The successful candidate will help support world leading science from across a broad spectrum of the scientific landscape. Working within a team of scientists, lab technicians and students you’ll be involved in many aspects of lab operation and development. 

About the apprenticeship: 

With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge, skills and behaviours, working towards completing your apprenticeship, gaining appropriate qualifications whilst making a real difference in your role.  

If working with innovative technologies on world-leading research isn’t enough, you will develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else. 

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover! 

We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You’ll have access to additional core skills development, access to a community of apprentices across the site, annual Apprentice awards evenings, a number of active sport and social groups across campus, and potential opportunities for overseas placements. 

STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours.

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities

This role is based within the ISIS Support Labs Group. This group maintain and develop ISIS’ laboratories that support the ISIS Users who come from universities across the world. This role will include the below along with many opportunities to experience other areas and develop new skills. 

• Prepare, stock and maintain the laboratories 
• Perform safety assessments and develop best practice 
• Interact with users and assist them in completing their experiments 
• Learn about hazardous materials use and shipping 
• Manage hazardous waste 
• Calibrate and maintain scientific equipment – leading to becoming an instrument specialist. 
• Work with world leading scientists 

Through the training provider, Cogent Skills, you will undertake a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship which will include: 

• Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician 
• On-the-job competency training. 
• Theoretical knowledge - BTEC Level 3 Applied Science with additional training  
• You will be required to attend and complete the required training courses, which will also include a 4-day residential block for one of the BTEC units 

Person Specification

In order to apply for the role, we are looking for the following:

Key - (S) will be measured at shortlisting, (I) will be measured at interview, (S&I) is both.

Essential: 

• Achieved or predicted to achieve 2 GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications) (S) 
• Over 18 years of age (ISIS is a radiation area and requires staff over 18). (S) 
• Practical hands-on approach to problem solving (S&I) 
• Keen interest in science and scientific methods (S&I) 
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills (S&I) 

Desirable: 

• GCSE in a science based subject. (S) 
• Demonstrable understanding of Laboratory safety (S&I) 
• Experience collating and analysis data (S&I) 

Important Information

1. To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2025, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
2. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. 
3. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider. 

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.  

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? 

Join us and discover what’s possible!