Laboratory Technician
Zest
The Role:
This is the role that makes everything else possible. Without a well-run, well-stocked, properly maintained lab, the technical team can't do their best work - and that's exactly what you'll own. You'll work across sample preparation, routine analysis, experimental support, and sensory facilitation, with no two days quite the same. One day might involve shelf-life analysis; the next, preparing competitor benchmarking samples for a tasting session or calibrating equipment ahead of a trial.
What You'll Do:
Keep the lab clean, safe, organised and fully stocked; maintain and calibrate equipment
Run safety checks and keep accurate compliance records
Prepare and process samples to precise formulations, including large-scale runs to deadline
Run routine analysis in line with QC methodologies
Execute experimental designs from technical briefs, coordinating external agencies where needed
Support data collection, analysis, and shelf-life testing; report to the QC Manager
Organise tasting sessions and competitor benchmarking
Conduct shelf-life tasting reviews to consistent protocols
Manage the ingredients library and order materials proactively, keeping stock in-date and to spec
Support with any other ad hoc duties as required by the business
Who You Are:
A science background matters, but attitude matters more - this suits someone who takes ownership of their space, notices what needs doing before being asked, and holds standards even when no one's watching.
GCSEs or A-levels in science subjects; a degree isn't essential, but prior lab experience is
Confident with basic analytical equipment and quick to learn new techniques
Genuinely precise - you understand a small error in sample prep can ripple through a whole project
Organised and able to stay that way under pressure, juggling multiple projects at once
A clear communicator, comfortable liaising with technical staff and external labs
Curious - you want to understand why things work, not just how to do them
A reliable team player
Why Apply?
You'll work alongside technical specialists and a quality manager who are among the best in the industry, close enough to the work to actually learn from it - this isn't a role where you're hidden away running tests in isolation. It's a small team, so your contribution is visible and valued.
As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)
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