Materials Science Laboratory Technician – Fixed Term

About the role

We are seeking a Materials Science Laboratory Technician to join our innovative technology team in Harpenden. The role is based on‑site and offers the chance to work on sustainable manufacturing processes and carbon conversion technologies. This is a rolling fixed‑term contract with the potential to become permanent.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day laboratory operations, ensuring safe and efficient practices.
• Maintain laboratory facilities, equipment, consumables and safety systems.
• Prepare, operate, monitor and clean chemical reactors and related process equipment.
• Support planning and delivery of experimental programmes alongside engineers and scientists.
• Collect, analyse and communicate experimental data to aid process development.
• Assist with installation, commissioning and modification of laboratory and pilot‑scale equipment.
• Operate analytical equipment such as gas chromatography and colourimetry.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, implementing improvements.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, including SOPs, risk assessments and COSHH records.

Required profile

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in laboratory or pilot‑scale chemical process operations.
• Experience developing and following SOPs within a chemical processing environment.
• Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience with laboratory automation and control systems.

Required skills

• Chemical reactor operation
• Process equipment monitoring
• Gas chromatography
• Colourimetry
• Laboratory automation
• Control systems
• SOP development
• Risk assessment documentation
• COSHH compliance

What we offer

• Rolling fixed‑term contract with potential for permanent placement.
• On‑site role in Harpenden, South East England.
• Competitive salary range £32,000 – £38,000 per year.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge sustainable manufacturing projects.