Degree Laboratory Apprentice Technician University of Liverpool

University of Liverpool

Liverpool (L69 7BE)

Closes on Monday 11 May 2026

Posted on 10 March 2026

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Contents

Summary

Launch your bioscience career with a fully funded Applied Biosciences Degree while gaining hands-on lab experience in ops and infrastructure.

Focus on core services and equipment maintenance. Support teaching labs, deliver inductions, and aid sustainability while earning your degree.

Wage

£22,995 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

£22,995 per year, rising to £23,061 in the third year.

The University of Liverpool is proud to be a Real Living Wage accredited employer since 2019.

Training course
Biomedical scientist (level 6)
Hours
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Occasionally, you may be asked to support weekend open days, as well as field trips outside Liverpool. Time off in lieu (TOIL) will apply. This post is on-site and is not eligible for hybrid working.

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 27 July 2026

Duration

3 years 6 months

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

As a Degree Laboratory Apprentice Technician, you will support the delivery of laboratory services within the Institute spread across the University of Liverpool’s central city campus while studying towards a Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Biosciences) degree. You will be part of a collaborative technical team based in multiple buildings, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of teaching and research laboratories.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Maintaining clean, safe, and well‑equipped laboratory environments, including routine housekeeping, waste disposal, and equipment care.
  • Assisting with the setup and clearing away of materials and reagents for undergraduate and postgraduate practical sessions, as well as for research laboratories, including preparing media, solutions, and basic experiments.
  • Supporting class preparation, simple laboratory analyses, and routine technical tasks under supervision.
  • Managing stock levels, handling deliveries, cataloguing samples, and supporting the organisation of laboratory assets.
  • Assisting with health and safety procedures, including risk assessments, audits, and incident reporting, under supervision.
  • Assisting with the updating of standard operating procedures and other relevant documentation, as required, with support from senior technical staff.
  • Participating in wider University activities such as open days, outreach events, and sustainability initiatives (e.g., LEAF).
  • Supporting field trips.

Behavioural Expectations

You will be expected to demonstrate a positive, proactive attitude and a willingness to learn. As part of a professional technical team, you should communicate clearly, follow instructions reliably, and take responsibility for your tasks. You will be trusted to work independently on routine duties, solve straightforward problems, and make minor decisions related to your work. A flexible approach to working hours may be required, and you should be ready to support others, challenge poor practices, and uphold the university’s values around safety, equality, and inclusion.

Where you'll work

The University of Liverpool Institute of Systems Molecular and Integrative Biology ISMIB
Biosciences Building on Crown Street
Liverpool
L69 7BE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

TIRO TRAINING LTD

Training course

Biomedical scientist (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Identify the limits of own practice and when to seek advice or refer to another professional or service.
  • Recognise the need to manage own workload and resources safely and effectively, including managing the emotional burden that comes with working in a pressured environment.
  • Keep own skills and knowledge up to date.
  • Maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct.
  • Promote and protect the service user’s interests at all times.
  • Actively look for signs of abuse and engage in relevant safeguarding processes.
  • Respect and uphold the rights, dignity, values, and autonomy of service users, including own role in the assessment, diagnostic, treatment and/or therapeutic process.
  • Recognise that relationships with service users, carers and others should be based on mutual respect and trust, and maintain high standards of care in all circumstances.
  • Obtain valid consent, which is voluntary and informed, has due regard to capacity, is proportionate to the circumstances and is appropriately documented.
  • Exercise a professional duty of care.
  • Apply legislation, policies and guidance relevant to own profession and scope of practice.
  • Recognise the power imbalance which comes with being a health care professional, and ensure it is not for personal gain.
  • Work in accordance with the British, European and International Standards that govern and affect pathology laboratory practice.
  • Identify own anxiety and stress and recognise the potential impact on own practice.
  • Develop and adopt clear strategies for physical and mental self-care and self-awareness, to maintain a high standard of professional effectiveness and a safe working environment.
  • Recognise that they are personally responsible for and must be able to justify their decisions and actions.
  • Use own skills, knowledge and experience, and the information available, to make informed decisions and / or take action where necessary.
  • Make reasoned decisions to initiate, continue, modify or cease treatment or the use of techniques or procedures, and record the decisions and reasoning appropriately.
  • Make and receive appropriate referrals, where necessary.
  • Exercise personal initiative.
  • Demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem solving.
  • Use research, reasoning and problem solving skills when determining appropriate actions.
  • Respond appropriately to the needs of all different groups and individuals in practice, recognising this can be affected by difference of any kind including, but not limited to, protected characteristics, intersectional experiences and cultural differences.
  • Recognise the potential impact of own values, beliefs and personal biases, which may be unconscious, on practice and take personal action to ensure all service users and carers are treated appropriately with respect and dignity.
  • Actively challenge barriers to inclusion, supporting the implementation of change wherever possible.
  • Adhere to the professional duty of confidentiality.
  • Respond in a timely manner to situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public and recognise situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public.
  • Use effective and appropriate verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Communicate in English to the required standard for the profession.
  • Work with service users and/or carers to facilitate the service user’s preferred role in decision-making, and provide service users and carers with the information they may need where appropriate.
  • Modify own means of communication to address the individual communication needs and preferences of service users and carers, and remove any barriers to communication where possible.
  • Use information, communication and digital technologies appropriate to own practice.
  • Communicate the outcomes of biomedical procedures.
  • Keep full, clear and accurate records in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Manage records and all other information in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Use digital record keeping tools, where required.
  • Recognise and communicate the risks and possible serious consequences of errors and omissions in both requests for, and results of, laboratory investigations.
  • Use systems for the accurate and correct identification of service users and laboratory specimens.
  • Work in partnership with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Contribute effectively to work undertaken as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Identify anxiety and stress in service users, carers and colleagues, adapting own practice and providing support where appropriate.
  • Identify own leadership qualities, behaviours and approaches, taking into account the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrate leadership behaviours appropriate to own practice.
  • Act as a role model for others.
  • Promote and engage in the learning of others.
  • Engage in evidence-based practice.
  • Gather and use feedback and information, including qualitative and quantitative data, to evaluate the responses of service users to own care.
  • Monitor and systematically evaluate the quality of practice, and maintain an effective quality management and quality assurance process working towards continual improvement.
  • Participate in quality management, including quality control, quality assurance, clinical governance and the use of appropriate outcome measures.
  • Evaluate care plans or intervention plans using recognised and appropriate outcome measures, in conjunction with the service user where possible, and revise the plans as necessary.
  • Select and apply quality and process control measures.
  • Identify and respond appropriately to abnormal outcomes from quality indicators.
  • Apply the principles and applications of scientific enquiry, including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process.
  • Evaluate analyses using qualitative and quantitative methods to aid the diagnosis, screening and monitoring of health and disorders.
  • Change own practice as needed to take account of new developments, technologies and changing contexts.
  • Gather appropriate information.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate the information collected.
  • Select and use appropriate assessment techniques and equipment.
  • Undertake and record a thorough, sensitive, and detailed assessment.
  • Undertake or arrange investigations as appropriate.
  • Conduct appropriate assessment or monitoring procedures, treatment, therapy or other actions safely and effectively.
  • Critically evaluate research and other evidence to inform own practice.
  • Engage service users in research as appropriate.
  • Perform and supervise procedures in clinical laboratory investigations to reproducible standards.
  • Operate and utilise specialist equipment according to own discipline.
  • Validate scientific and technical data and observations according to pre-determined quality standards.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in practical skills in cellular science, blood science, infection science, molecular and genetic science and reproductive science, where appropriate to the discipline.
  • Demonstrate practical skills in the processing and analysis of specimens including specimen identification, the effect of storage on specimens and the safe retrieval of specimens.
  • Demonstrate practical skills in the investigation of disease processes.
  • Work in conformance with standard operating procedures and conditions.
  • Work with accuracy and precision.
  • Perform calibration and quality control checks.
  • Demonstrate operational management of laboratory equipment to check that equipment is functioning within its specifications and to respond appropriately to abnormalities.
  • Formulate specific and appropriate management plans including the setting of timescales.
  • Select suitable specimens and procedures relevant to service users’ clinical needs, including collection and preparation of specimens as and when appropriate.
  • investigate and monitor disease processes and normal states.
  • Use standard operating procedures for analyses including point of care in vitro diagnostic devices.
  • Use statistical packages and present data in an appropriate format.
  • Design experiments, report, interpret and present data using scientific convention, including application of SI units and other units used in biomedical science.
  • Safely interpret and authorise service user results.
  • Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, local operational procedures and policies.
  • Work safely, including being able to select appropriate hazard control and risk management, reduction or elimination techniques in a safe manner and in accordance with health and safety legislation.
  • Select appropriate personal protective equipment and use it correctly.
  • Establish safe environments for practice, which appropriately manages risk.
  • Empower and enable individuals, including service users and colleagues, to play a part in managing their own health.
  • Engage in occupational health, including being aware of immunisation requirements.
  • Identify the limits of own practice and when to seek advice or refer to another professional or service.
  • Recognise the need to manage own workload and resources safely and effectively, including managing the emotional burden that comes with working in a pressured environment.
  • Keep own skills and knowledge up to date.
  • Maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct.
  • Promote and protect the service user’s interests at all times.
  • Actively look for signs of abuse and engage in relevant safeguarding processes.
  • Respect and uphold the rights, dignity, values, and autonomy of service users, including own role in the assessment, diagnostic, treatment and/or therapeutic process.
  • Recognise that relationships with service users, carers and others should be based on mutual respect and trust, and maintain high standards of care in all circumstances.
  • Obtain valid consent, which is voluntary and informed, has due regard to capacity, is proportionate to the circumstances and is appropriately documented.
  • Exercise a professional duty of care.
  • Apply legislation, policies and guidance relevant to own profession and scope of practice.
  • Recognise the power imbalance which comes with being a health care professional, and ensure it is not for personal gain.
  • Work in accordance with the British, European and International Standards that govern and affect pathology laboratory practice.
  • Identify own anxiety and stress and recognise the potential impact on own practice.
  • Develop and adopt clear strategies for physical and mental self-care and self-awareness, to maintain a high standard of professional effectiveness and a safe working environment.
  • Recognise that they are personally responsible for and must be able to justify their decisions and actions.
  • Use own skills, knowledge and experience, and the information available, to make informed decisions and / or take action where necessary.
  • Make reasoned decisions to initiate, continue, modify or cease treatment or the use of techniques or procedures, and record the decisions and reasoning appropriately.
  • Make and receive appropriate referrals, where necessary.
  • Exercise personal initiative.
  • Demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem solving.
  • Use research, reasoning and problem solving skills when determining appropriate actions.
  • Respond appropriately to the needs of all different groups and individuals in practice, recognising this can be affected by difference of any kind including, but not limited to, protected characteristics, intersectional experiences and cultural differences.
  • Recognise the potential impact of own values, beliefs and personal biases, which may be unconscious, on practice and take personal action to ensure all service users and carers are treated appropriately with respect and dignity.
  • Actively challenge barriers to inclusion, supporting the implementation of change wherever possible.
  • Adhere to the professional duty of confidentiality.
  • Respond in a timely manner to situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public and recognise situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public.
  • Use effective and appropriate verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Communicate in English to the required standard for the profession.
  • Work with service users and/or carers to facilitate the service user’s preferred role in decision-making, and provide service users and carers with the information they may need where appropriate.
  • Modify own means of communication to address the individual communication needs and preferences of service users and carers, and remove any barriers to communication where possible.
  • Use information, communication and digital technologies appropriate to own practice.
  • Communicate the outcomes of biomedical procedures.
  • Keep full, clear and accurate records in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Manage records and all other information in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Use digital record keeping tools, where required.
  • Recognise and communicate the risks and possible serious consequences of errors and omissions in both requests for, and results of, laboratory investigations.
  • Use systems for the accurate and correct identification of service users and laboratory specimens.
  • Work in partnership with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Contribute effectively to work undertaken as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Identify anxiety and stress in service users, carers and colleagues, adapting own practice and providing support where appropriate.
  • Identify own leadership qualities, behaviours and approaches, taking into account the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrate leadership behaviours appropriate to own practice.
  • Act as a role model for others.
  • Promote and engage in the learning of others.
  • Engage in evidence-based practice.
  • Gather and use feedback and information, including qualitative and quantitative data, to evaluate the responses of service users to own care.
  • Monitor and systematically evaluate the quality of practice, and maintain an effective quality management and quality assurance process working towards continual improvement.
  • Participate in quality management, including quality control, quality assurance, clinical governance and the use of appropriate outcome measures.
  • Evaluate care plans or intervention plans using recognised and appropriate outcome measures, in conjunction with the service user where possible, and revise the plans as necessary.
  • Select and apply quality and process control measures.
  • Identify and respond appropriately to abnormal outcomes from quality indicators.
  • Apply the principles and applications of scientific enquiry, including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process.
  • Evaluate analyses using qualitative and quantitative methods to aid the diagnosis, screening and monitoring of health and disorders.
  • Change own practice as needed to take account of new developments, technologies and changing contexts.
  • Gather appropriate information.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate the information collected.
  • Select and use appropriate assessment techniques and equipment.
  • Undertake and record a thorough, sensitive, and detailed assessment.
  • Undertake or arrange investigations as appropriate.
  • Conduct appropriate assessment or monitoring procedures, treatment, therapy or other actions safely and effectively.
  • Critically evaluate research and other evidence to inform own practice.
  • Engage service users in research as appropriate.
  • Perform and supervise procedures in clinical laboratory investigations to reproducible standards.
  • Operate and utilise specialist equipment according to own discipline.
  • Validate scientific and technical data and observations according to pre-determined quality standards.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in practical skills in cellular science, blood science, infection science, molecular and genetic science and reproductive science, where appropriate to the discipline.
  • Demonstrate practical skills in the processing and analysis of specimens including specimen identification, the effect of storage on specimens and the safe retrieval of specimens.
  • Demonstrate practical skills in the investigation of disease processes.
  • Work in conformance with standard operating procedures and conditions.
  • Work with accuracy and precision.
  • Perform calibration and quality control checks.
  • Demonstrate operational management of laboratory equipment to check that equipment is functioning within its specifications and to respond appropriately to abnormalities.
  • Formulate specific and appropriate management plans including the setting of timescales.
  • Select suitable specimens and procedures relevant to service users’ clinical needs, including collection and preparation of specimens as and when appropriate.
  • investigate and monitor disease processes and normal states.
  • Use standard operating procedures for analyses including point of care in vitro diagnostic devices.
  • Use statistical packages and present data in an appropriate format.
  • Design experiments, report, interpret and present data using scientific convention, including application of SI units and other units used in biomedical science.
  • Safely interpret and authorise service user results.
  • Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, local operational procedures and policies.
  • Work safely, including being able to select appropriate hazard control and risk management, reduction or elimination techniques in a safe manner and in accordance with health and safety legislation.
  • Select appropriate personal protective equipment and use it correctly.
  • Establish safe environments for practice, which appropriately manages risk.
  • Empower and enable individuals, including service users and colleagues, to play a part in managing their own health.
  • Engage in occupational health, including being aware of immunisation requirements.

Training schedule

The Applied Biosciences Degree (Level 6) is delivered over 36 months. During this time, you will combine structured academic learning with practical, hands-on experience in a university laboratory environment.

You will be allocated six hours per week during working hours to complete formal learning and training activities. This time may be used for online modules, virtual lectures, practical training sessions, assignments, portfolio development, reflective practice, or scheduled meetings with your academic tutor or apprenticeship coordinator.

The remainder of your working week will be dedicated to on-the-job training, where you will apply scientific and technical skills in real laboratory settings, work alongside experienced technical staff, develop professional behaviours, and contribute to the operational delivery of laboratory services.

Your progress will be supported through regular reviews, mentorship, and structured feedback, ensuring alignment with both academic and workplace expectations.

Requirements:

An individual must be:

  • 18 years or older due to the nature of the role.
  • You must have the right of abode and the right to work in the UK to qualify for funding. If you have the right of abode, you do not require a visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter and work in the UK. You must not have any restriction on the length of time you may spend in the country. Proof of status will be required before the interview.
  • Must not have a degree or higher in any subject.

Previous Qualifications (Essential):

5x GCSEs with at least two in English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or 4 or above.

Applicants should have a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points, including:

  • 3 A Levels (1 must be Grade C in Biology).
  • Or BTEC Extended Diploma (Grade DMM) must include four good science modules with an emphasis on Biomedical Science.
  • T Level Science with Merit.

Important Information:

To receive levy funding, an individual cannot be enroled in another apprenticeship concurrently with the new one.

More training information

All apprenticeship training will be delivered online.

Wage: £22,995 per year, rising to £23,061 in the third year.

The University of Liverpool is proud to be a Real Living Wage accredited employer since 2019.

Training course: Applied Biosciences Degree (Level 6).

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Occasionally, you may be asked to support weekend open days, as well as field trips outside Liverpool. Time off in lieu (TOIL) will apply. This post is fully on-site and is not eligible for hybrid working.

Start date: The degree starts in September 2026. You must be in employment before this date.

Duration: 42 months (3 years and 6 months).

Requirements

Essential qualifications

Other in:

Multiple areas that can be viewed in requirements (grade C/4 or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Time Management
  • Adaptabile
  • Professionalism
  • Resilience

Other requirements

An individual must be:

  • 18 years or older due to the nature of the role.
  • You must have the right of abode and the right to work in the UK to qualify for funding. If you have the right of abode, you do not require a visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter and work in the UK. You must not have any restriction on the length of time you may spend in the country. Proof of status will be required before the interview.
  • Must not have a degree or higher in any subject.

Previous Qualifications (Essential):

  • 5x GCSEs with at least two in English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or 4 or above.

Applicants should have a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points, including:

  • 3 A Levels (1 must be Grade C in Biology).
  • Or BTEC Extended Diploma (Grade DMM) must include four good science modules with an emphasis on Biomedical Science.
  • T Level Science with Merit.

Important Information:

  • To receive levy funding, an individual cannot be enrolled in another apprenticeship concurrently with the new one.

Part of this role will involve working with gas cylinders and liquid nitrogen vessels. You must be physically fit and comfortable with heavy lifting, including manual handling.

You will be expected to demonstrate a positive, proactive attitude and a willingness to learn. As part of a professional technical team, you should communicate clearly, follow instructions reliably, and take responsibility for your tasks. You will be trusted to work independently on routine duties, solve straightforward problems, and make minor decisions related to your work. A flexible approach to working hours may be required, and you should be ready to support others, challenge poor practices, and uphold the University’s values around safety, equality, and inclusion.

About this employer

The University of Liverpool is a globally recognised, research-intensive institution and a founding member of the Russell Group. It delivers high-quality teaching and pioneering research across a broad range of disciplines, with a strong commitment to public engagement, innovation, and societal impact. The university maintains extensive partnerships with industry, healthcare, and academic institutions worldwide, and is known for its vibrant campus, inclusive culture, and world-class facilities.

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is one of the university’s largest and most interdisciplinary faculties. It integrates education, research, and clinical practice across medicine, dentistry, psychology, veterinary science, public health, and life sciences. The faculty is structured to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and translational research, addressing major health challenges and improving outcomes for individuals and communities.

The Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) is a core research and teaching institute within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. It brings together expertise across molecular, cellular, and systems biology to advance understanding of biological processes in health and disease. ISMIB includes the following key academic units:

·        School of Biosciences

·        School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics

·        Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

·        Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology

·        Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Real Living Wage employer.
  • 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
  • Mentorship, structured training time, and career development.
  • Generous pension scheme.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

You will obtain a Level 6 qualification in Biosciences and can apply to internal roles on completion of your programme.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

University of Liverpool

Dr Kevin Cham - Senior Technical Manager

kevin.cham@liverpool.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000019954.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 11 May 2026