Lab Technician - Advanced Materials Testing

at  National Physical Laboratory

We have an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Assistant to join the Advanced Engineering Materials group based in Teddington. Your role as a laboratory technician is to provide all the required technical support to enable the groups laboratories to function effectively. These unique laboratory facilities support UK industry, and you will be working alongside a team of internationally leading scientists. This role is available full or part time.
The group undertakes both research and measurement which sits within the very core of our business here at NPL. This is your chance to work on a range of technical activities supporting and making an impact through our ground-breaking work.
As a collaborative team here at NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers. You’ll keep the laboratory facilities maintained alongside our Laboratory Manager and be involved in a variety of laboratory-based material preparation activities, completing your work to the highest standards, whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• the ability to learn specific, practical techniques and apply this knowledge to solve technical problems.
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills
• Effective communication skills
• the aptitude to maintain and calibrate technical equipment.
• time management and prioritisation skills
• excellent record-keeping skills attention to detail.
• Proficient IT skills
  Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
  The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.
  NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
  At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.
  We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.
  To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us

• perform laboratory tests to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific investigations.
• carry out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
• prepare specimens and samples.
• construct, maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, for example microscopes, polishing equipment.
• record results to present to senior colleagues.
• use computers and perform mathematical calculations for the preparation of graphs.
• ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced and that everything is clearly and correctly labelled.
• Adherence to company and client quality and health and safety protocols.
• Working with the team to prepare equipment, repair, calibrate and maintain test equipment.
  We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.
  This role is known internally as ‘Assistant Scientist’
  We are looking for a self-motivated laboratory assistant who has an interest in materials science using a wide range of measurement techniques. Your role will involve experimental work in the laboratory, you will be able to solve problems in the laboratory if they arise.
  Training will be provided , but you also have a keen willingness to learn and develop.