Not Just
Lab Coats
Dive into the exciting world of science, manufacturing, and technology. From hands-on lab roles to vital support positions in HR or marketing, diverse roles are making a real difference to our world.
Learn moreunlocking endless career possibilities
Not Just Lab Coats exists to provide you with one place to explore the career options in science, manufacturing and technology. You can explore job profiles, get advice and guidance along every step of your journey and discover real examples of what a career in our sectors looks like.
We not only cover all the roles you might expect, like Laboratory Scientist or Chemical Engineer, but also the heroes working behind the scenes like Admin Assistants and Marketing Managers.
Not sure where to start? Take our completely unscientific quiz, or search our career hub to explore a range of job roles
Not sure where to start? Take our completely unscientific quiz, or search our career hub to explore a range of job roles
5 female engineers you should know, but don’t
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In honour of International Women in Engineering Day, here are five female engineers you should know, but probably don’t. Ada Lovelace Before laptops, apps, or even electricity, Ada Lovelace was already dreaming up the future. In the 1800s, she worked with inventor Charles Babbage on a machine called the Analytical…
Are GCSEs Really That Important for Apprenticeships?
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If you’re thinking about your future and considering an apprenticeship instead of (or alongside) further education, you might be wondering: Do GCSEs really matter? The short answer is yes, but maybe not in the way you think. What Are GCSEs For? GCSEs are your first big academic qualifications. They show…
Our Top 3 Places to Find Apprenticeship Opportunities
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Starting your apprenticeship search can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to look, what level to go for, or even what kinds of opportunities are out there. It’s totally normal to feel a bit lost at first. That’s why we’ve put together our top three places…
Chemical
Makes materials for everyday products like plastics and detergents
Coatings
The reason your coke can has a protective layer and its famous branding
Life Science
Creates medicines and technologies, saving lives and improving health
Nuclear
Uses atomic energy for power and diverse applications, like medicine
Hydrogen
Produces clean energy solutions that power transport, industry and heating without emissions
Medicines
Medicines manufacturing is responsible for a £16.4 billion contribution to the UK economy
Paper
Provides essential products, supports commerce, and promotes sustainability
Carbon Capture
Stops carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere, reducing climate change through tech
Hydrogen
Produces clean energy solutions that power transport, industry and heating without emissions
Medicines
Medicines manufacturing is responsible for a £16.4 billion contribution to the UK economy.
Carbon Capture
Stops carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere, reducing climate change through tech
Take your next step
Ready to dive into the awe-inspiring realm of science? Explore all the current roles awaiting your discovery!
View all vacancies
Operator
Reed
Full Time
Chelmsford
Salary:
TBC
Reed Engineering are working with a leading manufacturer in Chelmsford who are looking for multiple…
Closing date:
18th December 2024
Process Operator
Bennett & Game Recruitment
Full Time
Wigan
Salary:
£33,559.50 per annum
Process Operator required for Weekend Days. My client is a leading manufacturer of resins and…
Closing date:
30th August 2024
CNC Miller Programmer Setter Operator
Billy Associates Ltd
Full Time
Liverpool
Salary:
£48,000 per annum
CNC Miller – Programmer / Setter / Operator Company Background My client is an ISO…
Closing date:
24th November 2025
Finance Undergraduate Placement - ConocoPhilips
ConocoPhillips
County Durham
Salary:
TBC
Cogent Skills is working with ConocoPhillips to recruit a Finance Placement student to work at…
Closing date:
16th March 2025
Maintenance Operative
Carbon 60
Full Time
Hull
Salary:
TBC
Maintenance Operative - Hull, England - Facilities Management - Temporary - £14.40 Per Hour An…
Closing date:
27th September 2024
Trainee Recruitment Consultant
Compass Recruitment Solutions
Full Time
Manchester
Salary:
£30,000 per annum
Are you an experienced Sales person looking to try something new? Thrive on smashing targets…
Closing date:
4th June 2025
Mechatronics Technician Apprentice - DePuy Synthes
Depuy
Apprenticeship
West Yorkshire
Salary:
TBC
Cogent Skills is working with DePuy Synthes to recruit an Apprentice Mechatronics Technician (Mechanical /…
Closing date:
30th April 2026
R&D Chemist - Materials
Reed
Full Time
Yarnton
Salary:
£48,000 per annum
Reed Scientific is seeking an R&D Chemist to join our client’s innovative team, working on…
Closing date:
8th September 2024
Business Administrative Level 3 Apprenticeship - Kemira Chemicals UK
Kemira
Apprenticeship
East Riding of Yorkshire
Salary:
£17,500 per annum
This is a fantastic and ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to gain experience in…
Closing date:
21st March 2025
R&D - Technician- Laboratory
Randstad Delivery (GBS)
Full Time
Melton Mowbray
Salary:
£23,400 per annum
Start/End Dates: 2/4/2026 - 8/3/2026Worker's Location: Melton MowbrayJob Title: R&D - Technician- Laboratory B3-I Job…
Closing date:
18th February 2026
Vacuum Laboratory Technician Apprentice - STFC
STFC
Apprenticeship
Chesire
Salary:
TBC
Are you passionate about discovery and ready to take your first step into the world…
Closing date:
2nd February 2026
Site Hygiene Operative
ianson
Full Time
Ripon
Salary:
£35,000 per annum
Job Title:Site Hygiene Operative Location: Masham, Ripon, HG4 4JB Salary: £35k Per annum Job type:…
Closing date:
9th October 2025
Skilled Production Operator
Greencore
Full Time
Selby
Salary:
£27,417 per annum
Days - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 5am-5pm (after 6 weeks rotates to Thursday, Friday, Saturday for…
Closing date:
4th February 2025
Process Chemistry Experts Pharma
Just Life Sciences
Full Time
Penylan
Salary:
£65,000 per annum
Just Life Sciences are working with an Award winning and Innovative Pharma company who are…
Closing date:
22nd October 2024
Laboratory Administrator
SGS UK Limited
Full Time
Immingham
Salary:
£30,000 per annum
Company Description SGS are the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognised…
Closing date:
27th September 2024
Process operative
Time Recruitment
Full Time
Trafford Park
Salary:
£24,375 per annum
My Client is a supplier of adhesives, binders, coatings and surfactants for a great variety…
Closing date:
19th May 2025
What Does Working in Sustainability Look Like?
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When you hear the word sustainability, what comes to mind? Maybe recycling bins, electric cars or reusable water bottles. In the science industries, sustainability goes beyond that. It’s about building a future where innovation and responsibility work side by side. Sustainability means meeting today’s needs without harming tomorrow’s opportunities. In the science industries, that involves […]
Read more5 Creative Careers you didn’t expect to see in the Science Industries
Est. Reading Time: 2 mins
When you think about careers in science, you might picture lab coats and test tubes but there’s a whole world of unexpected and creative careers waiting to be explored. Science isn’t just about formulas and research; it’s about innovation, problem-solving, and shaping the future in ways you might not have imagined. Here are five creative […]
Read more
See more tips and advice for career success
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Discover a career in the
Chemical Sector
Whether it’s cosmetics, drugs, or even ingredients in food - there’s always something ground-breaking happening in the chemical sector.
Be at the cutting edge of innovation in manufacturing, product development, or even finding sustainable solutions to environmental issues.
What is it like to work in the Chemical Sector?
The chemical sector adds a whopping £18 billion to the UK economy every year. In fact, around 4,100 chemical businesses nationwide create materials for manufacturing goods. Put simply, the chemical sector is booming!
Discover a career in the
Coatings Sector
This might be an area you didn’t know existed, but we promise you’ll know about it. Coatings are the finishes on LOADS of goods and materials that provide decoration or protection - from colourful furniture to non-stick pans!
The UK coatings industry directly contributes £4 billion a year to the UK economy, so it's big business and cutting-edge stuff!
What is it like to work in the Coatings Sector?
Given the scale of the industry, there are plenty of jobs around. The UK is also a huge exporter of coatings, so there’s international job opportunities too.
Discover a career in the
Life Science Sector
If you don’t already know, life science studies living organisms and how they exist and interact in different kinds of settings.
Put simply, if you work in this area, you could help to improve global healthcare, the environment, or just general daily life. Pretty big stuff, right?!
What is it like to work in the Life Science Sector?
Life scientists are in huge demand across specialisms, from medicine and agriculture to environmental conservation. That means well-paid career opportunities are just waiting to be snapped up!
Discover a career in the
Nuclear Sector
Nuclear is a very low-carbon technology. This means it is an important source of clean and safe energy in the fight against global warming.
This trailblazing science is positively changing the world and providing a much-needed power source for future generations - without generating nasty greenhouse gases in the process.
What is it like to work in the Nuclear Sector?
With a growing demand for more affordable power made at home in the UK, the nuclear sector is set to create many more highly paid, varied, and exciting jobs.
Discover a career in the
Hydrogen Sector
The science industries are wide-ranging, but they share a common goal: creating positive change for the planet and shaping a better future.
By working at the cutting edge of innovation, you could help drive progress across our global community — from advancing renewable energy technologies to supporting cleaner transport and low-carbon solutions.
What is it like to work in the Hydrogen Sector?
With net-zero targets to meet, businesses need skilled workers to drive industrial decarbonisation and the shift to a low-carbon economy.
Discover a career in the
Medicine manufacturing Sector
Whether it’s cosmetics, drugs, or even ingredients in food - there’s always something ground-breaking happening in the chemical sector.
Be at the cutting edge of innovation in manufacturing, product development, or even finding sustainable solutions to environmental issues.
What is it like to work in the Medicine Manufacturing Sector?
The chemical sector adds a whopping £18 billion to the UK economy every year. In fact, around 4,100 chemical businesses nationwide create materials for manufacturing goods. Put simply, the chemical sector is booming!
Discover a career in the
Paper Sector
You might not think much about paper beyond what’s on your desk, but trust us – it’s everywhere. From the box your online order arrives in, to the loo roll in your bathroom, paper is one of the unsung heroes of everyday life.
The UK’s paper-based industries generate £13 billion a year and employ over 115,000 people. It’s an innovative, eco-conscious sector that’s leading the way in recycling and sustainable packaging – so it’s big business with a green heart.
What is it like to work in the Paper Sector?
Working in the paper industry is about more than just paper—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and making an impact on the world.
Discover a career in the
Carbon Capture Sector
If you don’t already know, carbon capture focuses on stopping carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and finding smart ways to reduce climate change.
Put simply, if you work in this area, you could help protect the planet, create cleaner energy, and tackle global warming. Pretty big stuff, right?!
What is it like to work in the Carbon Capture Sector?
Experts are in huge demand across engineering, technology, and environmental science. That means exciting, well-paid career opportunities are just waiting to be snapped up!