Description Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship) Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 28 months Hours: Full-time, 37 hours Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus Didcot, OX11 0QX Closing Date: Sunday, 2nd February 2026 Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026 Start Date: September 2026 As a Level 3 laboratory apprentice, you are joining a team dedicated to the meticulous analysis and control of chemical contamination in support of space science missions. The laboratory plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of space hardware and cleanroom operations. You will be actively involved in the development of a new laboratory, contributing to method development, validation, and the operation of current molecular organic contamination measurement systems. This is a hands-on environment where precision, safety, and scientific curiosity are essential—your journey here will be both challenging and rewarding as you help advance the success of UK and international space programmes. About an Apprenticeship at STFC We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real-world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment. You’ll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check-ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus, you’ll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges. Why join the Quality Assurance and Safety Group Team at STFC? The contamination control team sits within the RAL Space Quality Assurance and Safety Group (QASG). We work closely with the Environmental Test groups and project support teams to ensure that contamination risks are understood and effectively mitigated throughout the lifecycle of space hardware, particularly during Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT). This is an exciting time to join the team, as we have recently secured funding to expand our operational capabilities. You will play a key role in method development and validation activities that will shape the laboratory’s future analytical capabilities and support mission-critical contamination control. W elcome to RAL Space Careers at RAL Space: Vicki, Senior Quality Assurance Specialist Introducing RAL Space's National Satellite Test Facility - YouTube The Small Satellite Calibration Facility | RAL Space & NPL Qualifications gained Level 3 Laboratory Technician BTEC Level 3 Applied Science with additional training Laboratory technician / Skills England What you’ll learn A Laboratory Technician apprentice will learn: How to work safely and effectively in a laboratory environment. The importance of following quality procedures and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. Regulatory requirements governing laboratory operations. Technical skills essential for performing laboratory tasks with accuracy and precision. Methods for producing, analysing, and interpreting data, including the application of statistical techniques. Effective communication of scientific information in a clear and professional manner. How to apply appropriate scientific methods to identify problems and develop practical solutions. Training provider Cogent Skills Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Standard - Cogent Skills Delivery 1 day a week online including 3-day practical workshop at the National STEM centre in York & if applicable 3-day exam residential at Cogent Skills HQ in Warrington. What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities Preparing samples using solvents within a laboratory environment Deploying and retrieving samples used for monitoring clean room operations, thermal vacuum testing and project contamination control Analysing samples, interpreting data and compiling reports Supporting contamination investigations Supporting method development activities [ECSS-Q-ST-70-05C] Supporting method verification/validation. Entry Requirements The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I). We are looking for the following: GCSEs in Maths, English and Science (Grade 4/C or above) (S) An awareness of basic health and safety (I) Basic understanding of laboratory safety and willingness to learn COSHH regulations (S&I) Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (S&I) Has a basic understanding of a clean room and a willingness to learn more (S&I) Enjoys following routine procedures and understands their importance (I) Willingness to learn analytical techniques e.g., FTIR transmission spectroscopy (I) Interest in working in controlled environments (cleanrooms) (I) Attention to detail and commitment to precision (S&I) Takes ownership of mistakes, learning from them to prevent issues from impacting customers. (I) Enthusiasm for science and space-related research(S&I) Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records (I) Important Information To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or AC in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider. We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out on apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org if you have any questions. Employee Benefits Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy. 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days). Flexible working hours. An excellent defined average salary pension scheme. Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking. Excellent learning and development opportunities. Cycle to work scheme. For a list of our full benefits, please visit here. As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y How to apply Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert. Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received. We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!