Description
Location: Norcroft Building, Bradford, BD7 1DP
Working for CrystecPharma
CrystecPharma is an innovative pharmaceutical crystal and particle engineering company, spun out from the University of Bradford in 2007. Our cutting-edge technology improves the performance of existing medicines and helps new therapeutic molecules progress more smoothly from clinic to market.
We develop our own products and also partner with pharmaceutical companies to support their product development activities. At CrystecPharma, we are dynamic, science-driven, and passionate about ensuring that strong science delivers real benefits to human health.
Join us and be part of a company where innovation in crystal and particle engineering is shaping the future of medicine.
The Package
* Starting salary of £14,918.80 - £24,126.96 per year (depending on age)
* 25 days annual leave
* 38 hours per week
* Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 5:00pm (with breaks included)
* 4-day working week (Specific working days will be confirmed once you start)
* Company pension scheme
* Company Shares Scheme (after 1 year)
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
We are looking to recruit someone who is curious and eager to learn about new technologies and has a genuine interest in human health. The ideal candidate will be a creative problem solver, able to troubleshoot issues and think outside the box.
It is important that the successful candidate is adaptable to changing priorities, as well as responsive to project and client needs. We are seeking someone who can work effectively within a small team, willing to support colleagues wherever needed, and who demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Summary of duties:
* Set up and prepare laboratory equipment and materials for experiments
* Restock consumables and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies
* Dispose of chemical waste in line with safety protocols
* Assist with the preparation of chemical solutions and reagents
* Support researchers or technicians with routine experimental procedures
* Record data accurately and maintain detailed laboratory notebooks
* Perform basic maintenance checks on equipment and report any faults
* Follow all relevant Health & Safety, COSHH, and risk assessment guidelines
* Shadow experienced technicians to develop skills and understanding
* Assist with basic analytical work
* Manage logistical responsibilities such as stock checks and consumables
* Provide general administrative support, e.g., printing labels and filing records
What could the future look like?
When you join CrystecPharma, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship.
Through practical training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory testing. This apprenticeship program serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech).
This program unlocks a multitude of career paths, granting you access to diverse organisations across various sectors. Whether it's the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (primary and secondary), biotechnology companies, nuclear enterprises, analytical science services, or educational institutions, the doors are wide open.
This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement. You may choose to pursue higher-level qualifications through one of our Degree Apprenticeships such as the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Chemical Science.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
We are looking for a curious, motivated, and enthusiastic individual with a genuine interest in science and human health.
The ideal candidate is keen to learn and develop in a regulated laboratory environment, able to follow processes carefully and pay attention to detail, while also being adaptable and open to changing priorities. You should be team-oriented, willing to support colleagues wherever needed, and able to take initiative to solve problems creatively.
We are seeking someone who is looking for a long-term career in laboratory science, ideally someone who is committed to growing with CrystecPharma. Previous experience, such as participation in a Kickstart or similar program, is valued but not essential—enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn are what matter most.
Please note: This is a hands-on, physically active role, so candidates should be comfortable handling heavy equipment and laboratory materials.
Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous science experience can be helpful, it’s not essential — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and the motivation to build a career.
You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain. Either way, if you’re enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you’ll fit right in.
Qualifications
It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!
So how does the apprenticeship work?
Over 21 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship.
You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at CrystecPharma, who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.
The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!
Eligibility
While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.
As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.
If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.
You’ll need to be over 16, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.
If you don’t quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested here and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.
We're Tiro (pronounced ‘Tea-ro’ as in white, two sugars).
In Latin, it means novice, recruit, apprentice, beginner and soldier. The perfect name for a company that’s been helping fearless apprentices to join ambitious businesses since 2005.
We believe that great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employment opportunities waiting to be filled.
Our work will never be just about getting bums on seats and pocketing our commission. In our own small way, we’re helping to change the world – finding people that are working on COVID vaccines, finding new ways for technology to help humanity and helping to tackle the big issues of the day, like climate change. As well as helping people – young and old – to find their way.