Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant Placement

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.

SGS’s Life Sciences services support the pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare sectors with expert testing, clinical research, auditing, and certification—ensuring product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance from development to market.

• Role: Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant Placement 
• Job Type: 12 months temporary contract (This role is for undergraduate students, looking for a one year industry placement) 
• Location: Glasgow
• Hours: 35 hours, Monday to Friday 
• Salary: £19,747- £23,132 (salary dependent on minimum wage for age group) 
• Industry: Life Science 

Kick‑start your scientific career with hands‑on experience in a real molecular biology environment.

Are you an undergraduate looking for a placement that will genuinely develop your scientific and laboratory skills? Join us for 12 months and become a key part of our Molecular Biology team, supporting real client testing, preparing essential reagents, and learning how a high‑quality GMP/GLP laboratory operates.

What you’ll be doing

• Maintaining clean, organised, and fully stocked molecular biology laboratories
• Preparing key reagents, including primers, probes, HP DNA/RNA, buffers, nuclease‑free water and mastermix
• Supporting daily lab operations such as fridge/freezer checks, defrosts, and Virkon preparation
• Assisting with documentation, SOP updates, and reagent expiry management
• Working safely and accurately within GLP/GMP‑compliant processes
• Gaining exposure to PCR workflows, including preparation of positive controls and bioanalytical buffers

Why this placement is valuable

You will gain meaningful industry experience by:

• Working inside a regulated, fast‑paced molecular biology laboratory
• Developing practical skills relevant to PCR and bioanalytical testing
• Understanding the importance of contamination control in pharmaceutical testing
• Becoming confident in laboratory organisation, compliance, and quality systems

This placement is ideal for students studying Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, or related degrees.

What you’ll bring

• A proactive, positive attitude
• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• Good communication skills
• Genuine interest in laboratory work and developing new skills
• School‑level Biology or Chemistry (Standard Grades or Higher)

At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:

• Generous Annual Leave allowance, plus bank holidays
• Retailer Discounts
• Christmas Vouchers
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives
• An additional day off for your birthday
• Discounted Gym Membership

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

APPLY NOW for full consideration, if you are selected for an interview, or further consideration, we will be in touch with you directly