BRE contributes to a thriving and sustainable world by developing science-led solutions to built environment challenges. Our vision is to be the world-leading innovation, science, and data hub for the built environment. We’re ambitious in terms of quality and global scope. We want governments and commercial markets to recognise us and demand our services, products and solutions. We want to be world-class, innovative, science-led and provide solutions.
Science plays a vital role in creating safer, more resilient buildings.
At BRE, our laboratories are at the forefront of testing materials and products that shape the future of the built environment. We are looking for a Lab Technician (Analytical, Wet Chemistry) to join our Passive Fire Protection team, supporting critical reaction-to-fire testing and chemical analysis.
This is an exciting opportunity to work hands-on with a wide range of laboratory methods and specialist equipment, contributing to the evaluation of construction products, fire safety investigations, and innovative testing programmes that make a real-world impact.
Help BRE make buildings safer and more sustainable!
BRE aims to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century, we have provided government and industry with cutting-edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science-led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world.
Your role at BRE
The Lab Technician supports reaction-to-fire and chemical testing activities within BRE’s Passive Fire Protection laboratories, carrying out analytical and wet chemistry testing to support the assessment, classification, and investigation of construction products and materials.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
* Conduct laboratory testing relating to reaction-to-fire performance, including smoke, flame spread, heat release, and fire effluent gas analysis
* Perform wet chemical analysis using established non-instrumented laboratory methods
* Support instrumented analytical testing, including techniques such as ion chromatography (IC) and FTIR gas analysis
* Undertake small-scale flammability, smoke, and heat release testing in accordance with approved procedures
* Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated, maintained, and ready for use
* Work in accordance with UKAS accredited procedures, quality standards, and laboratory protocols
* Record test data accurately and maintain clear technical documentation
* Support investigative testing of materials used in existing structures, including cladding and fire safety related products
* Contribute to the evaluation and classification of new construction products prior to market launch
* Maintain high standards of health, safety, and housekeeping within the laboratory environment
What we are looking for
* Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
* Practical laboratory experience, ideally within analytical or wet chemistry environments
* Knowledge of non-instrumented wet chemical analysis methods
* Awareness of instrumental analytical techniques such as ion chromatography (IC), FTIR, or similar methods (desirable)
* Experience working to standard operating procedures, quality standards, or accredited laboratory systems such as UKAS (desirable)
* Ability to carry out testing accurately and maintain precise records and documentation
* Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, consistency, and quality
* Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks and priorities effectively
* Understanding of health and safety requirements within a laboratory environment
* Ability to identify routine issues and support practical problem solving
* Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
* Commitment to supporting high-quality testing services and maintaining the technical reputation of BRE
BRE Benefits
At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well-being, and career development.
Financial & Security Benefits
* Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution
* Life assurance – 4x your basic salary
* Enhanced maternity package
Health & Wellbeing
* HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more
* Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points
Career Development
* Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform
* Professional membership reimbursement
For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits
Work Location Options
On-Site – This role requires full-time presence at our Watford office. You must live within a commutable distance.
Our Recruitment Process
As part of our recruitment process we will be conducting 10-30 minute phone screening calls via an AI recruiter called Ryan with all shortlisted candidates. The information gathered from this screening will be used to help assess your suitability for the position.
Note to Employment Agencies
At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies. Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited. In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means.
Equal Opportunities Statement
BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.