Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3)

Summary

An exciting new lab technician apprenticeship position has become available at the department of tropical disease biology. The Apprentice will work in a variety of biological research laboratories and insectaries as part of a team of scientists and students within the filariasis research group.

Annual wage: £24,044 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours: Monday - Friday, shifts to be confirmed
35 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 27 January
Duration: 1 year 9 months
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

The successful candidate will be trained to provide technical support for parasite life-cycle maintenance in the filariasis research laboratory. They will be trained to provide routine technical support in a range of biochemical, and immunological and image-based assays in a scientific laboratory setting where needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with evaluations of candidate therapeutics for filariasis:

Assist with in vivo infection models to test new therapeutics for filariasis
Assist in quantifying pathological changes in lymphographic images by software ‘morphometric’ analyses
Support the research team in running biochemical and immunological assays and support with data analysis
Stock check and inventory control of all consumables and equipment
Washing of personnel workwear and lab coats as required
Management of waste within the facility, ensuring close liaison with LSTM cleaning staff

Support rearing of mosquito colonies and maintaining parasite life cycle:

Contribute to the smooth running of filariasis mosquito insectaries, including inventory control and weekly stock checks, ensuring good standards of housekeeping are maintained always
Preparation of routine solutions used in rearing also assist in routine cleaning of the insectaries
Cleaning of all equipment associated with rearing of mosquitoes including larval trays and adult mosquito cages to approved Standard Operating Procedure
Provide assistance for maintaining parasite production when needed

General:

Prioritise, organise efficiently, work independently under provided guidance and use own initiative to balance a varied and busy workload
Participate in staff development and training sessions as required to enhance and update skills to maintain an efficient and effective service
Adhere to local and legal requirements. Undertake personal health and safety responsibilities in accordance with H&S legislation and LSTM’s Health & Safety Policy and procedures
Any other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the role
Promote equality of opportunity and inclusive practice in all aspects of work undertaken
Act in a manner that safeguards children and/or vulnerable adults as applicable to the role

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a proven ability to meet tight targets and deadlines, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and excellent prioritisation skills in a fast-changing environment. You have experience working independently and using your initiative to manage tasks effectively, even in high-pressure situations.

Your friendly and helpful personality ensures you remain calm and courteous in demanding scenarios, and you are committed to supporting equality, diversity, and inclusive practices. While laboratory experience is desirable, a willingness to work in a hot, humid insectary and with small animal models under Home Office regulations is essential.

Where you’ll work

Pembroke Place

Liverpool 3

L3 5QA

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

TIRO TRAINING LTD

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

Laboratory Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:

At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board
Over 21 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training
This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments
Together this will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship
You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at LSTM who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career
Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment
The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths, English and Science (grade 4 - 9 (C - A*))

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
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

Please note, due to the nature of the role candidates must be aged 18 or over, and have up-to-date vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Tetanus, or be willing to have the vaccinations if appointed. These are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of candidates working in the specified environments.

About this company

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), founded in 1898, is a world-leading institution dedicated to improving global health. As a registered charity, we combat diseases such as TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, dengue, and different neglected tropical diseases through cutting-edge research, innovative interventions, and partnerships in over 68 countries. With a research portfolio exceeding £210 million, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to training future health leaders, LSTM is at the forefront of tropical medicine and infectious disease research. We also provide expert consultancy services and travel health clinics in Liverpool and Chester.

https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

30 Days annual leave (plus Christmas closure days), plus bank holidays Generous occupational pension schemes Government backed “cycle to work” scheme Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre

After this apprenticeship

When you join the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine the possibilities for your success are limitless
As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship

Through practical training on the job, you can look forward to a range of potential career paths in industries such as manufacturing, construction, engineering, aerospace, automotive, or research and development. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the quality and reliability of materials used in various sectors

This apprenticeship program also serves as a stepping-stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech)

This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement such as our Level 6 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TIRO TRAINING LTD

Emily Rankin

emily.rankin@tiro.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000292822.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Wednesday 8 January)

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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Please use the link to apply through Tiro's website (the apprenticeship provider).

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