Laboratory Technician

Job Description

About us

Ionech designs, patents, and commercialises first-of-a-kind energy technologies to have a positive global impact. We’re an ambitious start-up that is working to scale our technology to reduce energy poverty and to bring about societal and environmental change. We’re located at the Energy Tech Cluster at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, which has excellent facilities and is an internationally recognised hub for fast-growing technology companies.

The role

This is an entry level role supporting R&D within a fast-paced start-up. Your position as Laboratory Technician will deliver crucial technical support to the team, by undertaking various tasks such as mechanical assembly, sample preparation, experimental measurements, processing operations and data analysis.

You will perform scientific experiments and laboratory tests alongside other scientists, engineers and technicians; be involved in reporting and presenting findings and collaborating with colleagues across the wider business.

This is a great opportunity for an entry-level or graduate candidate to gain valuable industry exposure, enhance their skills and progress within a fast-paced R&D environment. It would also be perfect for people looking for a career change from a wide range of different technician-level jobs, who are interested in getting involved with science or technology.

Due to the nature of the work, this job will require on-site attendance most of the time. However, flexibility is in our nature and some days will lend themselves to home-working, such as when writing reports or analysing large data sets.

Responsibilities

· Provide prototyping and testing support across multiple laboratory areas as required

· Provide detailed information and feedback to senior scientists, laboratory coordinators and other technical groups within the department

· Carry out routine laboratory activities such as setup and maintenance of new and existing equipment, preparation of testing solutions, and daily cleaning and housekeeping activities

· Perform day-to-day checks and the organisation of laboratory storage areas and manage lab under the supervision of the lab manager

· Ensure that laboratory risk assessments are kept up-to-date and enact changes based on safety tour feedback

Qualifications, skills & experience

Essential

· Careful understanding of instructions, with confidence to ask for clarification at any time

· Diligence, patience and attention to detail

· Demonstrable ability to assemble intricate devices

· Degree in the Physical Sciences or evidence of continuing professional development, such as HND, BTEC, NVC, apprenticeship or other vocational qualifications with hands-on experience in a relevant role

· Keen to learn new skills and expand your knowledge

· Clear note-taking and ability to feedback findings concisely to colleagues

· Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams etc) and desk/laptop computers

· Motivated to deliver practical results & flexible to changing requirements

· Good communication and presentation skills

· Ability to work as part of project team & build relationships with colleagues at all levels

· Ability to work under pressure to achieve goals to agreed timing

· Professional and positive outlook to all tasks and requests from line and project manager

· Effective planning and organisation skills - ability to balance multiple jobs and prioritise critical tasks

Desirable

· Relevant prior science or industry experience

· Experience and qualification in the safe use of mechanical workshop equipment such as CNC milling machines, lathes, drill presses and bandsaws

· Established experience completing laboratory-based experimental work

· Ability to collate and analyse experimental data, reporting back to manager/senior scientists

· Able to make suggestions and contribute to technical discussions and debates

· Experience in product, process and/or R&D development

· Experience in Standard Operating Procedure writing

What we offer

· £30-40k annual full-time salary, depending on skills and experience.

· 25 days leave per year plus public holidays.

· Flexible working hours. We pride ourselves in being a progressive employer: very understanding of the need to work around school runs and doctors’ appointments, for example

· Encouragement and provision for continuing professional development training, courses etc.

· Vested share options in a fast growing start-up

· Generous, comprehensive private health insurance for yourself and immediate family

· Hybrid working: mostly on-site in the lab, with some home working where appropriate

· Inclusive, friendly team working on an interesting, truly impactful green technology

· Trust and support to make appropriate business purchases for rapid product deployment