Laboratory Technician

Job Introduction

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies and New Space ventures who want to scale their businesses/organizations with skilled talent. 

On behalf of our client, we are looking for a dynamic Laboratory Technician to join our team at the esteemed ESA-ECSAT site in Harwell, UK. Step into a remarkable role that grants you access to one of the globe's highly coveted space agencies.

As a Laboratory Technician, you will be working within the ESA’s Sample Analogue Curation Facility (SACF). The SACF’s mission is to act as a European focal point for the curation and characterisation of analogue samples while realising its vision of achieving centre of excellence status by 2025. The overarching aim of the SACF is to provide expert support on analogue sample topics to research and technology development projects (focused on space exploration and planetary science applications) within ESA, its member states, and the rest of Europe.

Role Responsibility

As Laboratory Technician you will concentrate your activities on the following:

• Set up and calibrate analytical instruments and equipment.
• Support the preparation and analysis of new and existing analogue samples, and the drafting of sample characterization plans and standardised results reports.
• Prepare and process feedstock materials to maintain analogue sample stocks.
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment and the general upkeep of the SACF e.g. overseeing repairs and maintenance, receiving deliveries, cleaning instruments, coordinating instrument/equipment usage etc.
• Log visitors to the SACF and assist them with the use of analytical equipment, as well as ensure that safety guidelines are followed by all SACF users.
• Maintain and file data outputs/records generated from sample preparation and analysis activities.
• Liaise with suppliers for the procurement of additional instruments and equipment, consumables and supplies, service contracts etc.
• Contribute to the preparation of health, safety and security and documentation.

Successful Candidate

Do you think you are the person we are looking for? See below what experience or knowledge you should bring:

• Technical degree (Bachelor’s degree, Diploma, or equivalent) in geology, geochemistry, analytical chemistry, or other relevant subject.
• 4 years of experience preferably working in a geology, geochemistry, or other relevant laboratory, with preference for demonstrable experience using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), and spectroscopic instruments (e.g. FTIR and Raman spectrometers).
• A desired asset is a history of handling and analysing datasets produced by such instruments, including familiarity with associated software (e.g. ImageJ, MatLab, Origin etc.).
• Outstanding structured and self-organising work attitude including attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are needed, together with a high degree organizational and communication abilities, and comfortable with working in a diverse and multinational team environment
• Proficient in the English language, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of another EU member state language is an asset.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Package Description

What we offer if you join our amazing team:

• Competitive Salary 

• Corporate Benefits Package 

• Company events

• Access to training 

About the Company

Why should you join Serco ?

At Serco not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play.

Meaningful and vital work - You’ll contribute to methodologically intercepting challenges whilst achievements will also be recognised and celebrated.

A world of opportunity - You’ll be wholeheartedly supported with development and career progression

Great people - You’ll become an integral member of a well-defined and supportive team who believe passionately in the value of our work. We are a company passionate about diversity and inclusion. 

About Serco

Serco Europe has operated in the Netherlands and Spain over the past 30 years, mainly in the field of Space. Serco Netherlands and Spain have a long history of partnership and trust with the European Space Agency (ESA).

In both countries, Serco is proud to deliver the highest calibre of people and services at ESTEC (ESA’s technology and engineering hub) and ESAC (ESA’s Astronomy and Science centre).

At the heart of its business, Serco Netherlands and Spain source, train, care and support employees, enabling them to better pursue their dreams of working in the Space industry in excelling in the delivery of essential public services.

Important:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.

Applicants are reminded that they will be requested to produce such documentation during the recruitment process.

Please contact a member of the recruitment team if you require further details of acceptable types of documentation required for verification of identity and work authorization. 

Data Protection:

For more information on how the personal data in your application is process, please see the link Data Protection policy here. 

Serco European Agencies