Laboratory Assistant

ExamenLab Ltd; Belfast; On-site; GBP 19,000 - GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A diagnostic laboratory in Northern Ireland is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to provide essential support to laboratory operations. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals aspiring to build a career in laboratory science. Responsibilities include handling samples, maintaining laboratory cleanliness, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. The role offers full training and opportunities for skill development in a regulated environment, along with a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Full training and structured onboarding

Opportunity to develop laboratory skills

Supportive team culture

Potential progression into technical roles

Qualifications

• Educated to NVQ Level 3, BTEC Level 3, A-level standard in a science-related subject.
• Good ability to follow written procedures and work instructions.
• Basic IT skills such as Microsoft Office and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Receive, label, log, and store samples in accordance with SOPs.
• Maintain clean, organised, and safe laboratory work areas.
• Report deviations, incidents, or concerns to senior laboratory staff.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Basic IT skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a science-related subject

Higher education qualification in a science-related subject

Job description

Examen is a patient-focused male fertility laboratory delivering high-quality diagnostic testing services and developing innovative diagnostic products. We operate to internationally recognised standards, including ISO 15189 and ISO 13485, and place strong emphasis on quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking a Laboratory Assistant to join our laboratory team and support the day-to-day delivery of laboratory services.

Role Summary

The Laboratory Assistant will provide essential support to laboratory operations, ensuring that samples, equipment, and work areas are prepared, maintained, and organised to enable safe, efficient, and compliant testing activities.

This is an entry-level role, working under the supervision of senior laboratory staff, and is well suited to candidates looking to develop a career in laboratory science or diagnostics.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Support & Sample Handling:

• Receive, label, log, and store samples in accordance with SOPs and quality requirements
• Prepare reagents, media, and consumables following documented procedures
• Support sample tracking and basic data entry within laboratory systems
• Support routine equipment checks and report issues to senior staff
• Assist with stock monitoring, ordering, and receipt of laboratory consumables
• Ensure materials are stored correctly and within expiry

Laboratory Housekeeping & Safety:

• Maintain clean, organised, and safe laboratory work areas
• Carry out routine cleaning, sterilisation, and waste disposal in line with laboratory procedures
• Follow all health, safety, and infection control requirements

Quality & Compliance:

• Work in accordance with the laboratory Quality Management System (QMS)
• Follow SOPs, work instructions, and training requirements at all times
• Report deviations, incidents, or concerns promptly to senior laboratory staff
• Participate in training and competency assessment in line with the laboratory QMS

Person Specification

• Educated to NVQ Level 3, BTEC Level 3, A-level standard (or equivalent) in a science-related subject, or higher or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant laboratory experience
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Willingness to learn and work in a regulated laboratory environment
• Basic IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, data entry systems)
• Higher education qualification (e.g. Diploma, Degree) in a science-related subject
• Previous experience working in a laboratory, healthcare, or regulated environment

Skills & Attributes:

• Reliable, conscientious, and methodical approach to work
• Comfortable working as part of a small team
• Able to follow instructions and ask questions when unsure
• Positive attitude and commitment to quality and safety

What We Offer

• Full training and structured onboarding
• Opportunity to develop laboratory skills in a regulated environment
• Supportive team culture with clear supervision and guidance
• Potential progression into technical or scientific roles over time