Laboratory and Logistics Technician

Salary - £26,206 - £27,808

Permanent

Interviews will be held 19-21 January 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

Do you enjoy working in science laboratories and have an interest in environmental research?

We're recruiting two Laboratory & Logistics Technicians to join our small, collaborative laboratory team at our Edinburgh site. You'll be part of our Air Quality, Impacts and Responses group, which studies the effects of ammonia on ecosystems, air quality and human health. The team's work directly supports UK government policy and regulation by improving understanding of ammonia emissions, their sources (both natural and human-made), and how their impacts can be reduced.

Our laboratory team pride themselves in delivering an outstanding service to their colleagues and external partners. This includes high-quality chemical analysis, preparing scientific materials, and managing the logistics of equipment used at air quality monitoring sites across the UK.

Reporting to the Environmental Analytical Chemist, you'll support cutting-edge environmental science in a practical, hands-on role. Working closely within this friendly and supportive team, you'll be involved in preparing, shipping and managing these bespoke air quality equipment (

Air sampler systems for environmental monitoring | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology)

used to measure ammonia in the atmosphere. These samplers are deployed by UKCEH fieldworkers and a wider monitoring network that includes partner organisations, local authorities, farmers and agricultural consultants. You'll also carry out laboratory analysis of returned air samplers, ensuring data is accurately recorded and submitted. This is a steady, essential role that contributes directly to nationally important environmental monitoring and research.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Prepare laboratory reagents, solutions, equipment, and other scientific resources

• Coordinate packing and shipping logistics for monitoring sites

• Collate and prepare samples for laboratory analysis

• Operate laboratory instruments and carry out a range of laboratory tasks

• Manage data and report results accurately

• Maintain laboratory stock and resources

• Support laboratory research experiments

• Maintain a safe working environment by following established laboratory procedures

You'll have some foundation experience working in a laboratory environment and take pride in following and improving procedures to ensure accurate, high-quality data - though full training will be provided.

For the role of Laboratory and Logistics Technician, we're looking for somebody who has:

• Scottish Higher or A-Level qualifications in Chemistry, Physics or Biology

• Previous proven experience working in a laboratory environment following protocols, recording data and reporting, with a keen interest in developing your laboratory skills

• An interest in environmental science, particularly air quality

• Strong communication skills - both written and verbal are essential, along with the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a diverse team

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to reliably follow written protocols

• Excellent organisation and time management

Desirable (but not essential):

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline

• Understanding of health and safety procedures, including COSHH and good laboratory practice

• Experience in packing and shipping logistics, including import/export documentation

You should enjoy working as part of a team, learning through shadowing and training opportunities, and actively contributing to a positive and inclusive working environment. More importantly, we're looking for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to contribute to environmental research.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who brings a positive attitude, a keen interest in our work, and the motivation to do their job to the best of their ability.

You'll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that's committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years' service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)

• Peer reward and recognition scheme

• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues ..

Apply today

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone - regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance - has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process - please don't hesitate to reach out. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.

About Us

Here you can explore the kind of roles we recruit for, search our latest vacancies, learn more about what it's like to work at UKCEH, and find out about the many benefits of joining our team.

Every one of our 600+ staff and 50+ postgraduate students plays a vital role in delivering our ambition to understand the environment and the human impact on it, so that together people and nature can prosper.

How we work is just as important as what we achieve. We want UKCEH to be a welcoming, inclusive, engaging and collaborative place to work. We embed our values - excellence, integrity and teamwork - into everything we do.