Lab Assistant

Broadstone
9 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

PCB Assistant

Research & Development Manager

Laboratory Team Leader

Application Development & Technical Services Manager

Senior Polymer Production Chemist

R&D Manager

Are you a recent graduate or experienced technician with a passion for materials science or composites? We're working with an innovative engineering company based in Poole seeking a motivated R&D Laboratory Technician to support their Research & Development team.

Working closely with the R&D Chemist, you’ll be involved in hands-on mechanical and analytical testing, contributing to the development of cutting-edge materials and products. You’ll help maintain lab standards, prepare data for analysis, and support ongoing innovation projects.
Key Responsibilities:

Support mechanical and analytical testing procedures
Maintain accurate data records and reports
Ensure excellent laboratory housekeeping and organisation
Assist with the development of new products
Help maintain lab equipment and ensure the lab is well-stocked and functional
Produce clear and presentable data using Microsoft toolsRequirements:
Degree in Composites, Materials Science, or a related discipline
Strong skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (or equivalent software)
Good communication and problem-solving skills
Understanding of Six Sigma and 8D problem-solving is a plusWhat’s in it for you?
£27,000 per year salary
Company pension
Free on-site parking
Career development in a forward-thinking engineering environment
Opportunity to work on exciting, industry-relevant R&D projects

If you’re ready to take your next step in materials or composites R&D, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply or for more information, contact Ian at Holt Engineering on (phone number removed)

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

The Skills Gap in Materials Science Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Materials science sits at the heart of innovation — from sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing to aerospace, electronics, healthcare and beyond. It is an interdisciplinary field combining physics, chemistry, engineering and applied science to design and improve materials that power modern technology. Despite the clear strategic importance of materials science, employers across the UK report persistent challenges hiring graduates who are truly job-ready. Organisations need professionals who can contribute immediately to research, development, manufacturing, quality control and product scale-up — yet many recent graduates struggle to bridge the gap between academic preparation and workplace demands. This gap is not caused by a lack of intelligence or enthusiasm. It is a growing skills gap between what universities teach and what real materials science jobs require. This article explores the materials science skills gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers want, and how aspiring professionals can bridge the divide to build successful careers in this vital UK industry.

Materials Science Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

Thinking about a career switch into materials science in your 30s, 40s or 50s? You’re not alone. In the UK, materials science underpins innovations in aerospace, automotive, healthcare, energy, manufacturing & sustainability — and employers are increasingly open to talent with diverse backgrounds. But the field is often misunderstood as being only for PhDs in labs, which can put off experienced professionals who have valuable transferable skills. This guide gives you a clear, practical UK-focused reality check: which materials science careers are realistic, what skills employers are looking for, how long retraining usually takes, how to position your experience and whether age is a factor (hint: it’s your strengths that matter most). Whether you come from engineering, manufacturing, research support, quality, operations, design, project management or consultancy, this article shows how your background can translate into a materials science career in the UK.

How to Write a Materials Science Job Ad That Attracts the Right People

Materials science underpins many of the UK’s most advanced industries, from aerospace and automotive to energy, semiconductors, construction, defence and advanced manufacturing. Employers rely on materials scientists and engineers to develop, test and optimise materials that meet increasingly demanding performance, safety and sustainability requirements. Yet many employers struggle to attract the right candidates. Materials science job adverts often receive limited applications or applicants whose experience does not match the role’s technical requirements. At the same time, experienced materials professionals ignore adverts that feel vague, overly academic or disconnected from real industrial challenges. In most cases, the issue is not a lack of talent — it is the clarity and quality of the job advert. Materials scientists are evidence-driven, detail-oriented and highly selective. A poorly written job ad signals weak technical understanding and unclear expectations. A well-written one signals credibility, purpose and serious intent. This guide explains how to write a materials science job ad that attracts the right people, improves applicant quality and strengthens your employer brand.