Laboratory Technician Apprentice
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Company: MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
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Location: PLYMOUTH, PL1 2PB
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: Apprenticeship Minimum Wage
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Sector: Health and science
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Ref: NAS-2000033656
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Application Deadline Date: 16/06/2026
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Start Date: 01/09/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm. Hours may vary depending on laboratory requirements, including some early starts.
Brief Description
Join the MBA as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice! You’ll develop practical scientific and technical skills while supporting cutting-edge research projects focused on understanding ocean health and the impacts of climate change. Gain hands-on experience in the use of scientific equipment and maintenance and laboratory techniques.
Training to be Provided
You will undertake a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with an Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' training provider, CSR Scientific Training, which will include:
- Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician
- On-the-job competency training
- Training will be delivered online with one site visit by a vocational skills coach to assess you in the workplace
Upon successful completion, apprentices can apply for professional registration as a Registered Science Technician, RSciTech, with either the Royal Society of Chemistry or Royal Society of Biology.
Future Prospects
With the broad experience and research supported during this apprenticeship, it is expected that the candidate would have the potential to secure a Laboratory Technician position with skills that would apply to numerous scientific organisations with future progression through to more advanced or specialist technician roles in the future.
Vacancy Detail
You will work in a variety of our laboratories across the science programme, from Ecology and Plankton Taxonomy laboratories, to our Marine Microbiome Centre.
Occasional seagoing and research aquarium work may be required.
Some of your daily duties will include:
- Help the Laboratory Manager and other science staff to facilitate the continuity and the smooth running of research projects
- Work closely with the Laboratory Manager and other staff to ensure that the research facilities and equipment are functioning correctly
- Learn to liaise with company representatives when ordering equipment and supplies to try and obtain the most cost effective and reliable source
- Assist with sub-culturing of the MBA’s algal culture collection, including periodic microscopic examination and reporting
- Help maintain adequate stocks of everyday laboratory items, including the updating of relevant records
- Support with stock and stores including goods in/out
- Learn how to be responsible for the control of substances hazardous to health (CoSHH)
- To be responsible for day-to-day laboratory housekeeping duties including sea-water filtration, waste management, media preparation and washing up (e.g. laboratory glass and plastic-ware)
- Operation of autoclave and other sterilisation equipment for making-safe waste for disposal, sterilisation of glass, plastic-ware and liquid media
- Preparation and testing of samples using basic and advanced instrument techniques (training provided)
- Accurate data entry and use of IT systems as and when required
- Maintaining general lab cleanliness including removal of waste material to appropriate waste bins
- Working in accordance with agreed procedures, protocols and the safety management system
- Providing feedback and raising any concerns with managers or other reporting procedures
- Undertaking any additional miscellaneous duties, as directed by the Laboratory Manager, including occasional reception cover and assisting with set up for courses or events
Other Information
- Flexibility may be required to meet the needs of the laboratory with some early starts necessary
- You must have been a UK resident for a minimum of 3 years to be eligible for this position
- If you already hold a BSc or MSc in a closely related field including but not limited to, Marine Biology, you will be ineligible for apprenticeship funding
- Seagoing experience would be beneficial in the event of any need to provide technician support on the Research Vessel