An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the technical team at the School of Chemistry as part of a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) program supporting a range of specialised facilities at the University of St Andrews. The School wishes to fill a position on the MA program which runs for two years on a fixed term basis.
During the MA the successful candidate will rotate between different facilities and learn basic aspects of technical support work under the supervision of technicians and facility managers. The facilities you will train to support will include:
* Nuclear magnetic resonance
* X-ray diffraction
* Materials Characterisation
* Mass spectrometry
* Stores
The role holder will be required to attend inductions and other training offered by the University to develop knowledge in Health & Safety, COSHH and University regulations and working practices relevant to the role. In addition, you will work towards a Modern Apprenticeship in Laboratory & Associated Technical Activities (SCQF Level 7) through a combination of work-based vocational training and two 18-week block day-release to Fife College based at the Glenrothes Campus.
In the workplace you will be required to assist and gain knowledge and experience in research laboratories, a range of support services and in science building stewardship. You will learn:
* Basic laboratory skills e.g. preparation of samples and solutions, weighing reagents on analytical balances, handling cryogenic liquids and gas cylinders, etc.
* Analytical equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
* Health and Safety legislation and practices pertaining to wet chemical laboratories.
* Communication and organisational skills.
* Developing skills in problem solving and working independently.
* Work towards an HNC in Applied Science.
* Basic IT skills for recording, processing and reporting information.
There will be some periods of time spent observing processes in these Laboratories. All our laboratories and facilities are based on The North Haugh, St. Andrews.
For further any further enquiries, please contact Armando Lacerda at -
In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews:
* Financial contribution to relocation, if eligible
* Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
* A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
* Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
* Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
* Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
* 30 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.
Closing date: 16 March 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
School of Chemistry
Salary: £13,944pa in year 1 and £19,015pa in year 2
Start date: As soon as possible
Full time
Fixed term: 2 years
School/Unit: School of Chemistry
Posted: 16/02/2026
Closing date: 16/03/2026
Closing time: 23:59