entry level life sciences jobs

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 28 months
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
Location: Boulby Underground Science Facility, Boulby Mine Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland TS13 4UZ
Closing Date: 2nd February 2026
Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026
Start Date: September 2026

Are you passionate about discovery and ready to take your first step into the world of laboratory science? Join our team as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice and gain hands-on experience while working towards being a fully qualified technician.

The Boulby Underground Laboratory is located at Boulby Mine on the north-east coast of England and on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. It is the UK’s deep underground science facility and has hosted deep underground science since the 1990s. It is a special place for science – a ‘quiet place in the universe’ – where studies can be carried out almost entirely free of interference from natural background radiation. Projects at the Boulby Underground Laboratory range from astrophysics (including the search for dark matter) to ultra-low background material screening, studies of geology and geophysics, climate, the environment, life in extreme environments on Earth and beyond. You can learn more about us here:

( https://www.boulby.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/home.aspx )

Boulby Underground Laboratory is part of the Particle Physics Department at STFC, which is one of the largest particle physics groups in the UK. We design, construct, and operate some of the most sensitive scientific instruments in the world, collaborating with partners in academia, industry, and international laboratories such as CERN. We currently work with ATLAS, CMS, LHCb, DUNE, Hyper-K, T2K, Lux-Zeplin, CERN RD50, Electron Ion Collider, Migdal and AION collaborations.

About an Apprenticeship at STFC

We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real-world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.

You’ll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check-ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus, you’ll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.

Why join the Boulby Underground Laboratory Team at STFC?

The Boulby Underground Laboratory has a tight-knit team of about 25 people working in a diverse range of roles. You will be joining our science support team which works in close collaboration with many groups both national and international

From collaborating with people from all over the World, to contributing to high-profile breakthroughs, you’ll be right in the middle of exciting, world-class science with people who genuinely love what they do.

Qualifications gained

Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship

BTEC in Applied Science

https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-2

What you’ll learn

• To work safely in a laboratory
• To follow quality procedures
• Regulatory requirements of the industry and laboratory
• Technical skills to fulfil your role
• How to produce, analyse and interpret data, including the application of statistical techniques
• To communicate scientific information appropriately
To use appropriate scientific methods to identify the causes of problems and produce solutions

Training provider

Cogent Skills: https://cogentskills.com/

Delivery - Instructor-led virtual learning, online self-study and two 3-day residentials

Regular one-to-one coaching sessions with an assessor

What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include working in the underground and surface laboratories to safely control, monitor, and adjust equipment and processes in compliance with all departmental safety standards. You will report and investigate deviations from normal operating conditions and will be able to deal with basic process anomalies. You will work with cryogenic and gas flow systems, pressure vessels, particle detectors and a range of other laboratory equipment.

Part of your development will include assisting with the calibration and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and contributing to the upkeep of the lab environment. You’ll also work collaboratively with teams across various departments, fostering strong communication and teamwork.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in numerous public engagement and outreach events during your time with us.

Entry Requirements

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

We are looking for the following:

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) (S)
• An A Level in Maths or Physics A-C, or a BTEC L3 in Engineering (S) – consideration will be given to applicants without these qualifications as additional Maths units can be included if necessary
• A genuine interest in science, engineering, or technology and the work of STFC (S&I)
• An interest in how things work and a willingness to develop technical skills through hands-on experience (S&I)
• An awareness of basic health and safety (I)
• Confident using a computer, especially tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook (S)
• Pride in getting things just right (I)
• Willingness to take initiative and work independently or in a team, with guidance available (S&I)
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (S&I)
• Good at keeping things on track and getting tasks done on time. (I)
• Enjoys solving problems, thinking things through, and coming up with ideas that work (I)

IMPORTANT – Applicants must be 18 years of age or older when they start the position to comply with site health and Safety regulations.

Important Information

• To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
• When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here .
• The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.

We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out on apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org if you have any questions.

Employee Benefits

• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy.
• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

For a list of our full benefits, please visit here .

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

How to apply

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!