Apprentice Laboratory Scientist

Day-to-day duties include:

Laboratory housekeeping; including cleaning/disinfecting, making up stock solutions, stock checking and equipment maintenance Calibration of key instrumentation for use in both laboratories and field course studies Preparation of solutions, samples and standards for instrumental analysis and experimentation Writing risk assessments, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) Working alongside experienced Research Technicians such as those in the prestigious National Graphene Institute (NGI) Working with Teaching Technicians to prepare reagents, equipment, consumables, and other resources for undergraduate/postgraduate practical classes, including the  Molecular biology, PCR, and gel documentation Fluorescence microscopy & live cell imaging Total organic carbon (TOC) testing and spectrophotometry High-resolution X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) & gas chromatography Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) DNA sequencing to identify and characterise microorganisms Mass spectrometry and other spectrophotometric techniques

Training:

To start, we offer a unique 5-year programme filled to the brim with a wide range of technical training across a multitude of skills such as chemical analysis, material science investigation and applications, research techniques, bacterial identification techniques, aseptic techniques, microscopy, and much more.

This training will be underpinned by in-house and external courses such as pipette, centrifuge, cryogenics, COSHH, IOSH training and the list continues. All these skills will be applied to cutting-edge equipment and technology, making this the apprenticeship to beat.

Initial training is deliberately broad to teach a wide range of technical competencies allowing you time to learn and discover the variety of careers within an everchanging scientific environment.

You will spend a mixture of time working alongside a day/block release course to gain the technical skills required to carry out your duties as a Laboratory Scientist. We will provide you with all the necessary tools and equipment, uniform, and robust training to make this the apprenticeship of your choice. 

Training Outcome:

Upon completion of the apprenticeship in 5 years’ time, you will have a portfolio of key science and engineering 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. Opportunities to progress onto a higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship exist for high-performing candidates upon completion of their first apprenticeship with us.

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.

Employer Description:
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.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.(Variable times to suit workplace requirements). 1 hour for lunch.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Analytical skills,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience,Strong work ethic,Desire to progress,Passion for Science