Salary: £28,000-£30,000 DOE | Hours: 37.5 per week | Mon-Fri (between 7:30am-5:30pm) Holiday: 28 days (incl. Bank Holidays) once permanent | Probation: 6 months | Location:Bridgwater
We're looking for a practical, detail-focused Laboratory Technician to support new product development by making and testing formulations in the lab, supporting first-time manufacturing trials, and providing QA (Quality Assurance) cover when needed.
Key responsibilities
Make and test new formulations
Accurately weigh chemicals, follow written/verbal instructions, and mix experimental batches.
Run lab tests using mixing and testing equipment.
Maintain clear notes/observations and feed results back to the Senior Development Chemist/Technical Director.
What we care about: accuracy, safe handling, following process, and strong observation skills.
Support first manufacturing trials
Supervise inaugural batches in the RTV mixing area when lab products move into trial.
Direct the mixing team, make sensible adjustments, and work towards the target outcome.
What we care about: confidence with production teams and practical scale-up problem solving.
Provide QA cover when required
Perform essential release tests to support product moving into stock.
Work to quality standards and document results clearly.
What we care about: competence with essential QA tests and disciplined quality practices.
Maintain safe, clean, compliant standards
Good housekeeping, safe working, and reporting any issues to the H&S Officer.
Work with awareness of ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment), ISO 50001 (Energy).
What we care about: strong safety mindset and audit-ready discipline.
Communicate and report progress
Provide regular updates and monthly reporting on completed work and upcoming activity.
What we care about: clear, reliable communication and traceable documentation.
What success looks like
Accurate, repeatable formulations with strong traceability and notes.
Issues with equipment or materials are flagged quickly and clearly.
First pilot/manufacturing trial batches run successfully with you guiding the team.
QA support is provided smoothly when needed.
The lab area remains clean, compliant, and audit-ready.
Essential skills
Good written and spoken English; good arithmetic; excellent attention to detail.
Practical experience with lab mixing/testing equipment; accurate weighing and process-following.
Strong observation and note-taking; comfortable working as part of a team.
Able to work on-site with manufacturing teams and physically lift up to 25kg.
Desirable
Degree in Chemistry/Polymer Science (preferred but not essential).
Formulation experience (especially polymers/elastomers); chemical industry experience.
COSHH awareness; understanding of ISO 9001 and quality procedures.
Good GCSEs in science (min C), ideally chemistry/physics/maths.
