Laboratory Technician FTC
Help protect and prepare the biological samples that power world-leading health research.
Behind every breakthrough made using UK Biobank data sits something incredibly important, the biological samples that make that research possible.
We're looking for a Laboratory Technician to join our team on an
This is an exciting time to join. Alongside supporting day-to-day laboratory operations, you'll play a key role in one of the largest laboratory relocation projects of its kind, helping move millions of samples into UK Biobank's new state-of-the-art laboratory facility.
If you're looking for a hands-on laboratory role where accuracy, teamwork, and scientific purpose come together, this could be the opportunity for you.
Can you do it?
As a Laboratory Technician, you'll support the full lifecycle of UK Biobank's biological samples, helping ensure they are stored, maintained, tracked, and prepared to the highest standards.
You'll work across sample handling, storage, processing, allocation, and shipment activities while supporting researchers who rely on these samples for current and future studies.
You'll work across sample handling, storage, processing, allocation, and shipment activities while supporting researchers who rely on these samples for current and future studies.
A major focus of the role will be supporting the laboratory move, helping transfer samples safely between facilities, preparing them for transportation, and assisting with the setup of new laboratory systems and workflows.
Working alongside experienced laboratory professionals, you'll use specialist laboratory equipment and systems, support daily operational activities, and help ensure samples remain protected, traceable, and available for future research.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to one of the world's most important biomedical research resources while developing your laboratory experience within a highly collaborative team.
You will be responsible for:
- Processing biological samples in accordance with standard operating procedures and quality requirements.
- Preparing, handling, and storing samples using approved laboratory methods and equipment.
- Accurately recording laboratory activities and sample information using laboratory systems.
- Supporting routine equipment checks, maintenance activities, and housekeeping within the laboratory.
- Following health, safety, and quality procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
- Working collaboratively with laboratory colleagues to meet daily throughput and quality targets.
Is this you?
To be successful, you will have:
- Experience working in a laboratory environment or a strong interest in laboratory-based work.
- An understanding of basic laboratory procedures and good laboratory practice.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow written procedures accurately.
- Confidence working with repetitive, process-driven tasks while maintaining quality standards.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
This is an 18 Month Fixed-Term Contract.
Working hours are 35 hours per week. Laboratory technicians work
5 days out of 7 on a rotating shift pattern within a 7-day laboratory operation.
Shift patterns are: 7:00am – 3:30pm or 8:30am – 5:00pm
This role is onsite and is based across our facilities in Stockport and Manchester Science Park.
Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.
We actively welcome applications from people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, neurodivergent candidates, and those with diverse thinking styles. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace so that everyone can perform at their best. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact
Tommy Wilson Jobs@ukbiobank.ac.uk so we can support you.
Your Wellbeing Matters to Us
Our wellbeing score on Indeed is rated as 77%, (High) reflecting how people experience working here day-to-day. Colleagues often highlight a strong sense of purpose, supportive team culture, and the opportunity to grow.
There’s a real focus on learning, flexibility, and feeling valued whether that’s developing new skills, contributing ideas, or building a career within Laboratory Operations.
There’s a real focus on learning, flexibility, and feeling valued whether that’s developing new skills, contributing ideas, or building a career within Laboratory Operations.
Benefits🗓️ 26 Days’ Annual Leave – Plus Bank Holidays
➕ Holiday Buy Scheme
🎂 Birthday Leave
🏦 USS Pension Scheme
🏥 Healthcare Cash Plan
👶 Enhanced Family Leave
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme
🚆 Season Ticket Loan
📄 Professional Subscriptions
📚 Training & Development Opportunities
🏋️ Free On-Site Gym
🍽️ Subsidised Canteen Lunches
🚗 Free Car Parking
🛍️ Employee Discounts Portal
📞 Employee Assistance Programme
💉 Annual Flu Vaccination
🛡️ Life Assurance Cover
#LI-Onsite
The job advert closing date may change, so early applications are encouraged.
About UK Biobank
UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from half a million UK participants.
The database, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world, is anonymised and made widely accessible by UK Biobank to global researchers who use it to find new scientific discoveries about common and life-threatening diseases – such as cancer, heart disease and stroke which strike in mid-later life.
UK Biobank is an innovative organisation with over 350 staff across four sites in the UK that fosters an engaging environment and supports the development of our staff. Our dedicated teams work alongside the world's leading biomedical scientists in our joint mission to improve public health.