Apprentice Laboratory Technician

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Salary: Grade 3 (£22,214 - £23,144 p.a. depending on experience) 

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner.   We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Do you have a technical approach to problem-solving, an interest in Earth Sciences and are you keen to work and train in a specialised research laboratory environment? Do you want to begin your career as a research support technician in one of the country’s top University Earth Science departments?

The University of Leeds is one of the top 75 universities in the world.  We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities.  Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe. 

We are looking for a dynamic and resourceful apprentice with a technical mind, an aptitude for practical, hands-on problem-solving and the commitment to support a wide range of users in carrying out world-class research into natural and man-made materials. As an apprentice you will provide support to the School of Earth and Environment as part of the wider Faculty of Environment here at the University of Leeds.

As part of our degree apprenticeship technical training scheme, you will be working in the University’s Leeds Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy centre (LEMAS).  LEMAS provides micro- and nano-scale imaging and microanalysis for researchers and industrial partners across the Earth Science and Materials Science disciplines, your focus will be in the Earth Science part of the facility.  No prior experience is required as you will be given full training.  You will also attend the University of Bradford, where you will work towards a BSc Chemistry Apprenticeship over the duration of the apprenticeship at an equivalent of one day a week.  

You will be given specific training in use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and microanalysis for the analysis of rock, mineral and metal samples, supporting users with their imaging and analysis and becoming increasingly specialist as you advance in the role.  You will develop skills in the preparation of samples using a range of preparation techniques including plasma ion milling. You will develop professional skills in monitoring and maintaining stocks of laboratory consumables, logging laboratory use and ensuring all work is compliant with health and safety regulations.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Richard Walshaw, Experimental Officer, School of Earth & Environment

Tel: +44 (0)113 3432393

Email: [email protected]  

Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Environment
School/Institute:  School of Earth and Environment
Category:  Technical Support
Grade:  Grade 3
Salary:  £22,214 to £23,144 per annum
Working Time:  35 hours
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Ongoing
Release Date:  Monday 20 May 2024
Closing Date:  Monday 17 June 2024
Reference:  ENVEE1737
Downloads:  Candidate Brief