AI Summary
Diamond Light Source is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support scientists and users of their national synchrotron facility. Responsibilities include operating and maintaining specialized equipment, managing lab operations, and ensuring safety compliance. Ideal candidates will have an HNC/HND or equivalent experience, with proven skills in a multi-disciplinary lab environment. This full-time, onsite role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including flexible working hours and a defined benefit pension scheme.
Key Highlights
Support scientists, visitors, and users of the Diamond synchrotron facility and peripheral laboratories.
Set up, maintain, and operate specialized instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including housekeeping and stock management.
Develop equipment protocols, assist with repairs, and provide training on equipment use.
Ensure compliance with safety procedures, including C.O.S.H.H. regulations.
Requires onsite working arrangement.
Technical Skills Required
Benefits & Perks
£32,363 to £34,429 per annum (Discretionary range to £39,592)
26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure and public holidays
2 annual volunteering days
Flexible working hours
Excellent defined benefit pension scheme
Onsite amenities (nursery, cafes, restaurant, sports and leisure facilities)
Relocation allowance may be available
Job Description
£32,363 to £34,429 per annum (Discretionary range to £39,592)
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
Based onsite
Full time
Reference: 11720
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.
About The Role
We now have an opportunity for a Laboratory Technician to provide support to scientists, visitors and users of the Diamond machine and peripheral laboratories.
Responsibilities Will Include
- Setting up, maintaining, and operating a variety of specialised instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
- Managing day-to-day operation of the peripheral laboratories; ensure good housekeeping and clean work areas as required.
- Developing equipment protocols and assisting with repairs.
- Supervising the use of laboratory equipment, providing assistance and training, monitoring and providing support for calibration and service contracts for agreed equipment.
- Ensuring that the laboratories are stocked with consumables and other sample preparations.
- Monitoring and ensuring the correct storage of chemicals, waste, and other specialist materials in accordance with C.O.S.H.H.
- Assisting in the generation of risk and C.O.S.H.H. assessments and monitoring compliance by all users, of safety procedures and practices throughout the laboratories.
About You
You will ideally hold an HNC/HND level qualification or equivalent in an appropriate subject and/or have proven work experience as a laboratory technician.
You Will Also Demonstrate Experience Of
- Working in a multi-disciplinary environment, with visitors and scientists.
- You will have the ability to work on own initiative with good planning and organising skills, along with good IT skills in MS Office software.
- Carrying out a range of tasks in chemical and biological laboratories, in the following areas:
- Handling of hazardous chemicals and specialist gases
- Use of Spectrophotometers
- Fume Cupboards
- Inert Gloveboxes
- Schlenk Lines
- Microscopes
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
The initial closing date for applications is 23rd November 2025, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.