Microbiology Laboratory Apprentice

Summary

Through this apprenticeship, not only you will learn practical microbiology skills, data analysis and reporting, experimental troubleshooting, as well as lab management, you will also have the opportunity to make a real impact on a rapidly expanding company, one of the fastest growing D2C businesses of its kind.

Wage

£20,000 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Increasing to £24,000 in the second year of the apprenticeship

Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Hours

This post is a 2-year fixed term position, typically lab-based, consisting of 37.5 hours per week (Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm) with flexibility depending on assay/experiment requirements

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Possible start date

Monday 3 March

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Your key responsibilities in this role will include:

1. To support Symprove’s R&D projects through:

Routine microbiological testing on product samples
Ad hoc testing of production and R&D samples
Accurate reporting and recording of test results
Processing sample data and supporting the Microbiology Product Scientist with data analysis
Communicating progress of on-going R&D projects, drafting project reports, contributing to project meetings, and presenting R&D results in written and oral formats as appropriate.

2. To contribute to the day-to-day running of a microbiology laboratory ensuring ‘lab readiness’ through:

Managing good levels of consumables inventory
Restocking lab media
Performing routine equipment calibration and maintenance
Maintaining general lab cleanliness and tidiness

3. To complete coursework elements from the apprenticeship training provider to a good standard

Where you’ll work

SANDY FARM

SANDS ROAD

THE SANDS

FARNHAM

GU10 1PX

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

CSR SCIENTIFIC TRAINING LIMITED

Your training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
Complete documentation proficiently
Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
Contribute to the preparation of reports.
Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results
Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
Complete documentation proficiently
Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
Contribute to the preparation of reports.
Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results

Your training plan

Through the training provider, CSR Scientific Training, you will undertake a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship which will include:

Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician
On-the-job competency training
Theoretical knowledge - BTEC Level 3 Applied Science (if required)

The majority of your learning will be completed online once a week with some face-to-face practical sessions/exams (if completing BTEC) in Sutton Coldfield.

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.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

2 more GCSEs (grade 4)
English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)
Science (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills

About this company

Symprove is the award-winning gut supplement recommended by scientists and experts. Since 2002, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of people live life to the full. Designed by scientists, trusted by thousands. 94% feel the difference in 12 weeks or less. At Symprove, we care deeply about gut health and the challenges of living with a gut condition. That’s why, along with our expert content and nurturing community, we're on a mission to drive the conversation around gut health.

https://www.symprove.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be the opportunity to apply for a permanent position.

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