Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

Application Deadline: 28 September 2025

Department: Lab

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Cheadle

Reporting To: Laboratory Supervisor

Compensation: £27,557 / year

Description

Where can you have a direct impact on health research happening across the globe? At UK Biobank, that's where. UK Biobank is helping to pioneer new pathways in health, believing that people have the right to live longer and more fulfilling lives. We're a team aiming to make a difference to millions of people on this planet - and an employer who cares passionately about the diverse range of professionals who have come together to drive our incredible journey. This role is pivotal to that journey.

Can you do it?

The world's largest Biobank is undergoing a significant transformation to meet increasing scientific research demand. This includes a move to the prestigious Manchester Science Park involving the relocation of >10 million samples and the setting up of a new sample processing and storage facility with the aim of supplying >1 million samples for health research each year. Due to an increase in our workload and the upcoming move, we are hiring for Laboratory Technicians to join our team. These roles are responsible for handling, processing, storing and shipping UK Biobank samples and performing associated activities to support the operation of the laboratory.

Your principal duties will include:

• Receipt and aliquot new samples coming into the resource
• Pick samples from automated stores, freezers or LN2 tanks
• Extract/normalise/reformat samples using automated liquid handling systems
• Perform quality control checks on samples
• Ship samples

Undertaking tasks relating to sample management

• Perform location audits
• Pick samples from participant withdrawals destructions
• Perform consolidation of samples across sample storage locations

Supporting a safe, efficient working environment adhering to quality and other relevant standards

• Support audits against standards held by UK Biobank (i.e. ISO9001)
• Work to high standards for behaviour within the lab / good laboratory practice

Supporting training and process improvements

• Identify areas for improvement (i.e. feedback sessions, change requests)
• Input to updates of laboratory documentation (SOPs, COSHH and Risk Assessments etc)

Working hours are 37.5 Hours, 5 shifts a week, Monday - Sunday, including Bank Holidays. Located in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Manchester Science Park mid 2026).

Is this 'You'?

Reporting to the Senior Laboratory team, you'll have a BSc in a relevant life sciences discipline or equivalent laboratory experience and:

• Working in a laboratory in a professional setting
• Working to the requirements of a relevant ISO standard (e.g. ISO9001, ISO17025, ISO15189, ISO27001), GxP or equivalent
• Using a LIMS product or equivalent complex information system supporting scientific work
• Using automated liquid handling and/or storage systems
• Shipping biological samples
• Communicating with team members effectively
• Using Microsoft Office including - Word and Excel

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We're proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here's what you can look forward to as part of our team:

• 26 Days' Annual Leave - Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Holiday Buy Scheme - Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
• Birthday Leave - Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
• USS Pension Scheme - Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
• Healthcare Cash Plan - Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
• Enhanced Family Leave - Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Save on a new bike and accessories.
• Season Ticket Loan - Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.
• Professional Subscriptions - Reimbursement where applicable.
• Learning budget - Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches - Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
• Free Car Parking - On-site parking available for staff.
• Employee Discounts Portal - Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
• Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
• Annual Flu Vaccination - Stay protected with free flu jabs.
• Life Assurance Cover - Financial protection for your loved ones.

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.