Degree Apprenticeship Laboratory Technician, Leeds Electron Microscopy And Spectroscopy Centre
About the role
As an Apprentice Laboratory Technician, your main duties will include:
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Providing support in the Leeds Electron Microscopy And Spectroscopy centre(LEMAS) facilities
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Taking personal responsibility for the preparation of materials and specimens to be analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) techniques
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Being responsible for routine calibration and basic maintenance of equipment and will take an active role in training new users
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Logging laboratory usage for accounting purposes
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Maintaining records of consumable levels and equipment, and purchase requisition stock to maintain an acceptable level
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Being responsible for the safe disposal of hazardous waste within specified guidelines
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Taking part in regular team meetings
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Working in accordance with health and safety procedures, hazard, risk, COSHH assessments and local policies and procedures
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Undertaking manual handling of laboratory equipment and movement of gas cylinders, using correct manual handling processes
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Engaging fully with the relevant training courses for the apprenticeship and actively engaging in learning during the course of your day-to-day role
These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.
Working week
Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm, with one hour for lunch.
Skills
Required qualifications
Training & development
- Apprentices work full-time whilst studying towards a BSc (Hons) Scientist (Chemical Science) degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6-degree apprenticeship
- Students study a tutor-supported e-distance learning curriculum and attend residential schools. The work-based projects, negotiated with employers, offer students the opportunity to apply their learning directly to their organisation
- The programme is primarily taught through tutor-supported online study, part-time over four years
- Apprentices will attend a two-day induction at the University to help them get to know each other and balance undergraduate study with working full-time
- They will also attend a week-long residential at our campus in central Manchester once a year, in addition to a two-day mini-residential in the first year
This is a 5-year post with possible progression to a full time technical role.
Company benefits
We have a relaxed dress code. On site Gym. Large Technical Community
Things to consider
- Due to the requirements for the apprenticeship course, we cannot appoint anyone to this position who has a qualification in the field of Chemistry, Physics and/or Biology at Level 6 or above, or an equivalent qualification.
- Manual handling, including moving laboratory equipment and gas cylinders
- Working with hazardous chemicals, biological samples and materials that require strict safety protocols
- Handling hazardous waste, which must be disposed of following regulations
- Possible work in confined or equipment‑dense lab areas, typical of analytical science spaces
- Maintaining rigorous documentation and cleanliness standards
About University of Leeds
University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s largest and most highly regarded institutions, known for world‑class teaching, impactful research and a strong culture of integrity, inclusion and community. As an employer, it offers a supportive environment with extensive professional development opportunities and a commitment to social responsibility, making it an attractive place to work and grow.
Bragg Centre for Materials Research
The Bragg Centre for Materials Research, located in the state‑of‑the‑art Sir William Henry Bragg Building, is a leading hub for interdisciplinary materials science, bringing together experts across engineering, physics, chemistry and related fields to drive innovation from atomic‑scale fabrication to advanced analytical techniques. Its world‑class laboratories, cleanrooms and research facilities create an exceptional workplace for apprentices, providing hands‑on technical training, exposure to cutting‑edge equipment and the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers and technical professionals.