Description ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking a full-time Physics Laboratory Technical Apprentice for a 24-month fixed-term position to join our Physics technical team as an apprentice. In this role, you will provide essential technical support for teaching and research activities within our laboratories. This apprenticeship offers practical, hands-on experience designed to develop a wide range of valuable skills, including teamwork, communication, organisation, and problem-solving. You will gain technical expertise in laboratory techniques, equipment maintenance and the safe handling of materials. Working under the guidance of experienced technicians, you will also learn to prepare and set up equipment, conduct maintenance, handle data accurately and address issues with scientific instruments. Additionally, you will operate safely in a laboratory environment, using appropriate protective equipment, assessing risks and following established protocols. Your role will include contributing to teaching and research activities, learning to demonstrate scientific techniques, and managing health and safety during practical sessions. This apprenticeship provides an exceptional chance to gain expertise in energy materials, bio-compatible coatings and functional layers within our Advanced Thin Film Sputtering Fabrication Facility. You'll also develop skills in advanced materials characterisation techniques while playing an active role in pioneering research and teaching. This apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation to build technical and professional expertise in a supportive, real-world environment. Key Responsibilities Assist in delivering high-quality technical services for teaching and research in the Physics department. Maintain specialist laboratory spaces and equipment. Manage and implement health & safety protocols in the laboratory environment. We are looking for individuals who are self-motivated, highly organised and team oriented Further information is available in the job description. The training provider working with us to deliver the apprenticeship is CSR Scientific training, an Ofsted rated “Outstanding” which will include: Fully recognised apprenticehsip qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician On-the-job competency training Theoretical knowledge - BTEC Level 3 Applied Science (optional) You can find further details about the training for Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. Under the apprentice scheme, the majority of your learning will be completed online, once a week, with some face to face practical sessions and/or exams (if BTEC is included) in Birmingham. In addition to the support offered through the training provider, a workplace mentor will provide practical advice and guidance throughout the duration of your apprenticeship. Upon successful completion, apprentices can apply for professional registration as a Registered Science Technician, RSciTech, with either the Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry or Royal Society of Biology. The role is fixed term for 18 months (Level 3 Laboratory Technician certification), which would be extended to 24 months if the successful candidate wants to follow the BTEC pathway (BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science certification). ABOUT THE TEAM You will work at Northumbria University city campus within the physics teaching and research laboratories. Working alongside technicians, senior technicians, scientific officers and technical managers who strive to create high quality teaching and research laboratory environments. Within the Maths, Physics and Electrical Engineering Department we deliver a range of services: Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University ABOUT YOU To be successful in the role you will have: GCSE in five subjects including Maths, English and Science (grade C/4 or above) Reliability, punctuality and a responsible approach. Strong attention to detail and an ability to follow instructions precisely and document results. Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Enthusiasm for scientific research and a willingness to learn new techniques and openness to feedback for continuous development. Effective communication and teamwork skills. Ability to express ideas, listen actively and ask questions. Further information is available in the person specification. If you have any questions about the apprenticeship content or eligibility criteria, please contact the training provider CSR Scientific Training, using this email address helpdesk@csr-group.co.uk Applications made through this careers site will not be considered. Please submit your application following the Govermment apprenticeship link: ' '. ABOUT US Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us. With over 37,000 students from 140 countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more. Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold. Located in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation with flexibility in hours and location. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process. 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