Laboratory Technician

Job Introduction

Job Description for Laboratory Technician

NNL is where you’ll experiment to help solve global challenges. As part of our Waste Management & Decommissioning capability, your work will impact the lives of generations. By finding new ways to avoid, reduce, store and treat nuclear waste, and drive down the cost of decommissioning, you’ll help to deliver cleaner energy and influence our nation’s energy future. You’ll face new challenges every day, working in unique locations on ground-breaking projects. Whichever area you specialise in this is a place to do great science for a good cause.

NNL are pleased to provide a vacancy for a laboratory technician to be part of the Waste Processing Services (WPS) business area. The role will involve undertaking a range of active and non-active laboratory operations in support of our customer’s waste treatment objectives.

The successful candidate will begin working in B170’s level 3 non-active laboratory where they will be trained in multiple analysis techniques to support a number of WPS projects. The candidate will also be required to provide support to Technical Leads in delivering experimental research projects in both the active and non-active labs and rig halls. Finally, the candidate may be required to provide operational support on active and non-active experimental rigs such as the Vitrification Test Rig in B141.

Role Responsibility

Main Responsibilities for Laboratory Technician

• Undertaking a range of laboratory operations to meet project requirements.
• Maintaining detailed records of laboratory operations to ensure traceability of work.
• Providing accurate laboratory data to Technical Leads so project reports can be submitted to customers within agreed timescales.
• Carrying out data analysis of experimental results to support Technical Leads in formulating scientific conclusions.
• Procuring and maintaining a register of consumables so laboratory stock levels are maintained.
• Co-ordinating and maintaining a register of laboratory equipment PAT testing to ensure the safety of operators.
• Co-ordinating and maintaining a register of laboratory equipment calibrations to ensure the quality of analytical results.
• Co-ordinating the transfer or disposal of experimental samples upon completion of project work to maintain high laboratory housekeeping standards. 

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Criteria for Laboratory Technician 

• Minimum HNC in a relevant scientific subject; Chemistry, Materials Science, etc.
• Demonstratable experience working in a laboratory.
• Proven ability to analyse data, specifically data produced by analytical laboratory instruments.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and be a respected team member.
• Demonstrable positive attitude towards achieving high levels of safety and quality.
• Competent in Microsoft IT programmes.
• Ability to interact with other departments and at a higher level in, and outside of, own team.
• Ability to obtain SC level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).

Desirable Criteria for Laboratory Technician 

• Degree in a relevant scientific subject; Chemistry, Materials Science, etc.

About the Company

Grounded in robust science and decades of experience, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is the authoritative voice in the UK and beyond for technological development within the nuclear power sector.

Our unparalleled understanding of the science, challenges and opportunities makes us an unrivalled authority and partner in the field, providing experts, technologies, and access to cutting-edge facilities to organisations around the world.

Harnessing potential technologies and translating them into to industry-ready solutions means our pioneering approach spearheads international improvement and technological progress.

We work on projects as small as drilling a hole to analyse underground wastes with our integrated micro drilling technology, or as large as developing state-of-the-art power systems for spacecraft, based on radioactive materials

NNL has a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) where NNL aims to be an inclusive workplace that attracts diverse talent through transparent and equal policies and procedures. We want you and the diverse mix of people that we employ, customers that we service and stakeholders that we influence to feel valued. We encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive with a sense of belonging.

Recruitment Agency Notice

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for the provision of recruitment services. Only agencies on our PSL may provide CVs and only when the role is released to them by our recruitment team. We will not accept unsolicited CVs from suppliers not currently on our PSL. We explicitly reserve the right to add candidate details from unsolicited CVs from non-PSL agencies into our own candidate database and to pursue/hire such candidate(s) without any obligation, financial or otherwise, to the agency concerned.

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory