Salary - £26,206 - £27,808
Permanent
Interviews will be held 19-21 January 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
Do you enjoy working in science laboratories and have an interest in environmental research?
We’rerecruiting two Laboratory & Logistics Technicians to join our small, collaborative laboratory team at our Edinburgh site.You’llbe part of our Air Quality,Impactsand Responses group, which studies the effects of ammonia on ecosystems, airqualityand human health. The team’s work directly supports UK government policy and regulation by improving understanding of ammonia emissions, their sources (both natural and human-made), and how their impacts can be reduced.
Our laboratory team pride themselves in delivering an outstanding service to their colleagues and external partners. This includes high-quality chemical analysis, preparing scientific materials, and managing thelogisticsof equipment used at air quality monitoring sites across the UK.
Reporting to theEnvironmental Analytical Chemist,you’llsupportcutting-edgeenvironmental science in a practical, hands-on role. Working closely within thisfriendly and supportive team,you’llbe involved in preparing,shippingand managing these bespoke air qualityequipment(used to measure ammonia in the atmosphere. These samplers aredeployed by UKCEH fieldworkers and a wider monitoring network that includes partner organisations, local authorities,farmersand agricultural consultants.You’llalso carry out laboratory analysis of returned air samplers, ensuring data is accurately recorded andsubmitted. This is a steady, essential role that contributes directly to nationally important environmental monitoring and research.
Your main responsibilities will include:
1. Prepare laboratory reagents, solutions, equipment, and other scientific resources
2. Coordinate packing and shippinglogisticsfor monitoring sites
3. Collate and prepare samples for laboratory analysis
4. Operate laboratory instruments and carry out a range of laboratory tasks
5. Manage data and report results accurately
6. Maintain laboratory stock and resources
7. Support laboratory research experiments
8. Maintain a safe working environment by following established laboratory procedures
You’llhave some foundation experience working in a laboratory environment and take pride in following and improving procedures to ensure accurate, high-quality data - though full training will be provided.
For the role ofLaboratory and Logistics Technician,we’relookingfor somebody who has:
9. Scottish Higher or A-Level qualifications in Chemistry, Physics or Biology
10. Previousproven experience working in alaboratoryenvironmentfollowing protocols, recording data andreporting,with akeeninterest in developingyourlaboratory skills
11. Aninterest in environmental science, particularly air quality
12. Strong communicationskills - both written and verbal are essential, along with the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a diverse team
13. Strong attention to detail and the ability to reliably follow written protocols
14. Excellent organisation and time management
Desirable (but not essential):
15. Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
16. Understanding of health and safety procedures, including COSHH and good laboratory practice
17. Experience in packing and shippinglogistics, including import/export documentation
You should enjoy working as part of a team, learning through shadowing and training opportunities, and actively contributing to a positive and inclusive working environment. More importantly, we’re looking for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to contribute to environmental research.
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who brings a positive attitude, a keen interest in our work, and the motivation to do their job to the best of their ability.
You’llbe joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institutethat’scommitted to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.
Working for UKCEH is rewarding
We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-orientedperks, such as:
18. 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
19. 10% employer pension contribution
20. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
21. Peer reward and recognition scheme
22. Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
23. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
24. 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...
Apply today!
If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your career goals, the team would be delighted to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV and a Supporting Statement, following the instructions below.
Supporting Statement Questions
Please answer the following questions below, providing up to 100 words per question. Use specific examples from your experience and focus on your personal contribution and impact (Please do not submit a cover letter - your responses to the questions below will be used in place of a cover letter)
1. Laboratory Skills
Describe your experience preparing reagents, operating instruments, handling samples, and recording data in a laboratory. How do you ensure accuracy, follow protocols, and maintain high-quality results?
2. Multitasking and Organisation
Provide an example of when you handled multiple tasks at once. What did you do to keep operations running smoothly?
3. Teamwork and Communication
Describe a time you worked effectively within a team, including colleagues or external partners. How did you communicate, share information, and contribute to a positive and inclusive working environment?
At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive andequitableworkplace where everyone - regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance -has the opportunity tothrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process - pleasedon’thesitate to reach out. So, ifyou’reexcited about this role but your experiencedoesn’talign perfectly with every requirement,we’dlove to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.
Please note:Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for thisroleand this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, pleaseindicatethis in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.