Welcome to Next Phase Recruitment! Please see below our current jobs that match your search criteria. For a broader job search please visit the home page or call us on 01403 216216 to discuss career options in other areas of Life Science and Technology.

Welcome to Next Phase Recruitment! Please use the above link to see our current jobs that match your search criteria. For a broader job search please visit the home page or call us on 01403 216216 to discuss career options in other areas of Life Science and Technology.

Welcome to Next Phase Recruitment! We are very experienced in helping people to progress their careers in the lab. Firstly, here is a general guide to a career path in this sector. Please also scroll further down the page to see and apply for our current jobs that match your search criteria. We also invite you to go to the main page of our website for a broader job search and call us on 01403 216216 for a confidential discussion about your career options. 

Technical Laboratory Assistant

Technical Laboratory Assistants work in scientific laboratories providing technical support to ensure that the laboratory can function effectively and that scientists can carrying out tests, research and investigations in the laboratory.  Similar job titles include Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Scientific Laboratory Technician, Scientific Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Operator and Laboratory Support Technician.

Technical Laboratory Assistants can work in labs in a wide variety of areas including education, forensics, medical research and development, clinical trials, scientific investigations and health services.

Working as aTechnical Laboratory Assistant can be an interesting and varied job.  A typical day’s work for a Technical Laboratory Assistant could involve tasks such as setting up experiments and investigations in the laboratory, collecting and analysing samples, preparing samples and specimens, ordering and controlling stock, disposing of chemicals and waste products safely, cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment, performing laboratory tests, constructing, maintaining and operating laboratory equipment and using laboratory IT/software.

Work is often carried out in teams with scientists and other lab technicians.  The specific tasks performed by a Technical Laboratory Assistant will vary dependent upon the employer.  Technical Laboratory Assistants have to follow strict health and safety procedures at all times, particularly in laboratories in which toxic chemicals, human tissues, biological waste are processed or in which a sterile environment is required in order to prevent contamination of samples.   In many laboratories Technical Laboratory Assistants will be required to wear protective clothing and equipment.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience required to become a Technical Laboratory Assistant

-     A levels, HND or a degree in a relevant science subject which could include biology, biomedical science, chemistry, physics, pharmacy, forensic science, pharmacology

-     Experience of working in a laboratory

-     Accuracy and attention to detail

-     Good hand-eye coordination and the ability to use technical equipment with accuracy;

-     The ability to maintain and calibrate technical equipment;

-     The ability to learn specific, practical techniques and apply this knowledge to solve technical problems;

-     Organisational and time management skills flexibility

-     Communication and teamwork skills

-     IT skills to record and analyse data

Salary Levels

Starting salaries for Technical Laboratory Assistants will depend on qualifications held, any experience in the role and the employer, but typically range from £15,000 to £19,000 for new entrants increasing to £20,000 to £25,000 for more experienced Laboratory Technicians.  Senior Technical Laboratory Assistants in management or supervisory roles salaries can be as high as £30,000 to £40,000.

Career path and progression

Technical Laboratory Assistants can progress to Senior Laboratory Technician roles and then on Team Leader, LaboratoryTeam Manager or Laboratory Supervisor positions.  An alternative career path for Technical Laboratory Assistants who do not necessarily with to supervise staff can include moving into more scientific, technical and analytical roles.  

Swindon

Swindon is a town in Wiltshire, in the South West region of England.  It is located approximately 35 miles from both Bristol and Reading and 78 miles from London.  Other major towns within reasonable distance include Oxford, Cheltenham and Salisbury.  Swindon is on the main railway line from Bristol to London Paddington and, with an average journey time of only 1 hour to London, it is a major commuter town.  Road connections are also good, thanks to the proximity of the M4 motorway.  Although many residents commute to London, Bristol and other cities, a substantial number of major employers are located in Swindon including engineering firms such as Honda, BMW/Mini and Halcrow as well as W H Smith's HQ and distribution centre and pharmaceutical companies including Patheon, Catalent Pharma Solutions and Vygon (UK) Ltd.   Swindon also has the head office of the National Trust, the UK Space Agency and national Research Councils including the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

Swindon has two major museums; the STEAM Museum which provides a detailed history of the Great Western Railway and the Museum of Computing, it is also home to the Bodleian Library's book depository, which contains 153 miles of bookshelves

Famous people from Swindon:  Billie Piper; actress and Melinda Messenger; glamour model and TV presenter