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Apprentice Nuclear Laboratory Scientist

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER · MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Location
Greater Manchester
Postcode
M13 9PL
Salary
£25,249 a year
Duration
5 Years
Hours per week
35h
Positions available
1
Degree awarded
Scientist (level 6)
Start date
7 September 2026
Application deadline
13 July 2026
Posted
21 May 2026
Vacancy reference
2000032885

About the role

Day to day duties will include, but not be limited to the following throughout training:

Learn scientific techniques and how to operate specialist equipment such as:

  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
  • Liquid Scintillation Counting
  • Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry (UV-Vis)
  • Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
  • Raman Spectroscopy
  • Particle size characterisation
  • Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS)
  • Rheometry
  • Operate gloveboxes, to support handling radioactive and hazardous materials

Plus more:

  • Perform experiments using a wide range of specialist equipment
  • Analyse the data from experiments
  • Provide support to others for operation of equipment
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues whilst maintaining services, and  safety
  • Ensure equipment safety and accurancy through routine inspections, calibration, maintenance and repairs
  • Prepare solutions, samples, and standards for instrumental analysis and experimentation, across an exciting and wide range of areas
  • Provide technical support to staff and students using the nuclear laboratories as well as research and commercial activities taking place throughout the year
  • Keep records up to date, for using radioactive and hazardous materials in line with legislation
  • Record servicing details across experimental and safety equipment
  • Write risk assessments, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments, and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to improve processes and reduce risk
  • Contribute to the LEAF accreditation processes of our laboratories

Working week

Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm. with 1 hour for lunch.

Skills

Communication skillsIT skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsProblem solving skillsNumber skillsAnalytical skillsTeam workingInitiativePassion for Science

Required qualifications

Essential
A Level · Chemistry · Grade C or above
Essential
A Level · two other A-level areas in STEM · Grade C or above
Essential
Minimum of 104 UCAS points · Level 3 equivalent in Science · Grade DMM, or 3 A-levels

Training & development

  • In addition to your level 6 apprenticeship qualification, we offer a unique and diverse programme of training with a wide range of certified qualifications such as, Hons Degree in Chemistry, (IOSH) working safely, (COSHH), WorldSkills UK competition entry and further internal courses spanning Cryogenics, Safe Use of Laboratory Gases, Laser safety, soft skills and professional development
  • The initial training is deliberately broad to teach a wide range of technical competencies allowing you time to learn and grow within an everchanging Science and Engineering environment
  • Later in your programme you will learn to undertake key procedures, supporting research, teaching, and infrastructure surrounding a nuclear research area provision
  • You will spend a mixture of time working alongside our specialists to gain the technical skills required to carry out your duties as a Nuclear Scientist, whilst attending a local university to complete your degree. We will provide you with all the necessary equipment, uniform, and robust training to make this the apprenticeship of your choice
Additional training
  • You will spend 80% of your time working at the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL where you will learn all the skills and behaviours asssociated with a nuclear laboratory scientist role
  • During this period you will work on a portfolio of evidence to show your ability and meet the criteria within your apprenticeships skills and behaviours

    One day per week, or in short blocks of 5 days, you will attend Manchester Metropolitain University (MMU) undertaking the academic element of your apprenticeship - Laboratory Scientist Level 6 (Degree course with honours)
  • Additional support will be given during 1-1s, progress reviews, training, pastoral, and colleague benefits whilst developing on your apprenticeship
Future prospects
  • Upon completion of the apprenticeship in 5 years’ time, you will have a portfolio of key nuclear science skills and a wealth of varied, relevant experience
  • Most apprentices are successful in securing a role with the university or choose to continue their academic studies
  • Whilst we cannot guarantee a permanent position at the University of Manchester, we endeavour to match apprentices with appropriate vacancies and support them through the entire application process

Company benefits

23 Days leave (+ bank hols/closure days), pension, travel loan, cycle to work, staff discounts, childcare, sport/gym and wellbeing support.

Things to consider

Important:

  • Due to regulatory and national security requirements associated with the nature of the work, this role is restricted to individuals who hold British nationality from birth.This restriction is necessary to meet compliance obligations related to working in a sensitive nuclear research area
  • Successful applicants may be required to apply and obtain an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate and appropriate security clearances depending on the nature of the research areas this role will support
  • Live within a commutable distance of the workplace - ideally Greater Manchester or immediate surrounding areas
  • Produce certificates from prior qualifications, or expected grades for approval onto the programme

About THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

One of the world’s leading universities built on research and teaching practices, coupled with one of the most respected apprenticeship programmes in the UK. Our programme builds its success’s year-on-year and continues to develop, matching the needs of the university and our community. We are proud of our strong reputation, supporting each of our apprentices with individualised training, specialised projects, and targeted development to build a future career at the cutting edge of technology.

Contact name
Apprenticeships TAP recruitment
Contact email
Apprenticeships@manchester.ac.uk