Graduate Freshwater Macro-invertebrate Analyst

About The Role

Are you a recent graduate with a passion for freshwater ecology and an interest in laboratory-based environmental science? Do you enjoy detailed analytical work and want to build specialist skills in freshwater macroinvertebrate analysis?

We’re looking for a Graduate Freshwater Laboratory Scientist to join our BioLabs team. This is a fantastic opportunity to begin your career within a highly respected laboratory environment, contributing to environmental monitoring and conservation across the UK.

APEM BioLabs is synonymous with high-quality analysis, large capacity and fast turnaround. Our clients include water companies, regulators and consultancies, and our work supports projects ranging from abstraction and drought permits to water quality and pollution assessments. We are also recognised for our expertise in invasive and non-native species monitoring.

As a Graduate Freshwater Laboratory Scientist, you will support the sorting and identification of freshwater macroinvertebrate samples in line with APEM’s industry-leading standards and laboratory procedures. Working under experienced specialists, you will develop your taxonomic knowledge, laboratory confidence and understanding of quality control systems. There will also be opportunities to gain exposure to field surveys, data handling and reporting as your experience grows.

This role is ideal for someone with strong foundational laboratory skills and a genuine enthusiasm for freshwater ecology, who is motivated to develop specialist expertise over time.

Please note that this role could be based at either our Stockport or Edinburgh site. This role is mainly lab-based although for those that are interested, we can offer some additional variety in taking part in field surveys.

What We're Looking For

You’ll need to bring:

• A BSc (or MSc) in a relevant subject such as ecology, environmental science, biology or a related discipline
• Experience using microscopes during academic study, laboratory practicals or project work
• A strong interest in freshwater macroinvertebrates and aquatic ecology
• High attention to detail and the ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately
• The ability to work to deadlines in a laboratory environment
• A general understanding of aquatic ecosystems

It’s a bonus if you have:

• Previous experience identifying species (for example during university projects, placements or voluntary work)
• Any experience sorting or processing biological samples
• Familiarity with quality control systems such as AQC
• Knowledge of Water Framework Directive methodologies
• Field sampling experience

Next Steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part-time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately. All we need is some basic information and your CV; we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applicants.

About Us

APEM BioLabs champions specialist taxonomic expertise at a time when these skills are increasingly rare. We are committed to developing early-career scientists and providing rewarding, long-term career progression within freshwater laboratory science.

As part of the APEM Group, we work collaboratively across marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments, combining scientific excellence with flexibility and wellbeing through our Ways of Working.