Lab Assistant

We are currently seeking an interim Laboratory Assistant to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at our client's scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral easily accessible by train and car. This is a full-time temporary role to run for 6 months, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8AM TO 4PM. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to 25,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The Machine dishwash (MDW) category operate a large laboratory where several internal tests are carried out. These tests are aimed at measuring the technical performance of our products in a number of areas. Because testing involves many operational activities, we need a team that can run the operation of the machines, preparation of the samples, and occasionally run simple experiments.
Role description:
The role is laboratory based, helping in the running of everyday experiments. There is some flexibility as to how the hours are achieved, but it is preferable that the person is in every day with a standard full day working hours from 8am - 4pm. The main activities are as follows:

1. MDW machine preparation - cleaning machines between studies so that they are ready for the next set of products or tests.
2. MDW Article collection and preparation - this involves ensuring that plates/glasses, etc. are fit for use and are disposed if not.
3. MDW test washes - turning on the dishwashers and opening doors at the end of cycle as appropriate, loading the machines with articles and adding the appropriate ballast soils.
4. Re-wash of MDW articles for re-use, managing inventory, and stock control.
5. Stain making for MDW studies.
6. Simple MDW experiments where a demonstration of product benefits is required - this will be following a specific experimental process, usually with commercial products.
7. Technical instrumental measurements on MDW articles (after appropriate training) for instance colour measurements, weight measurements or the digital imaging of washed articles.
8. Use of LIMs for inventory tracking and article tracking through studies.

Skills required:

• Experience working in a lab or a similar environment e.g. healthcare, clinical etc beneficial
• A-level or degree in science beneficial but not essential
• Graduates considered but not essential for this role
• Organisations skills - ability to switch between various tasks in the course of the day, and plan for the week following the set allocated workflow
• Attention to detail - for instance the person needs to follow the workflow, to ensure the right mixes and soils to be used and ensure that machines are run with specific programmes and ensure that machines are loaded correctly
• Team work - this role is in a team of 3 and they all have interact with many colleagues in the laboratory.
• IT Skills - Proficient in using Microsoft Office Applications and ability to pick up new systems easily.

Additional Information
Port Sunlight working environment:

• Free onsite parking
• Staff shop discounted products
• Working in state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities
• Free parking onsite
• 5 mins walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester
• 20-minute drive from Liverpool city centre/30-minutes' drive from Chester
• Disabled parking
• In the heart of picturesque Port Sunlight village
• There are also several site clubs available to join covering a range of topics including Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy and much more.
• The sites have three catering outlets which provide a range of hot and cold food and drinks daily.
• In addition there are a range of vending machines and cold-water dispensers around the site accessible throughout the day.