Natalie Southerill
Worcester
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in laboratory-based sciences, specialising in sample preparation and hazardous waste disposal. Demonstrates strong technical leadership and adaptability to new techniques, ensuring efficient lab equipment operation and chemical analysis. Possesses excellent organisational skills, multitasking abilities, and a proven track record of working well under pressure. Strong verbal communication and teamwork skills complement a quick learning ability and initiative-driven approach. Committed to maintaining high standards of laboratory safety while pursuing opportunities for professional growth in scientific research.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Wet Lab Manager
Collaborative Teaching Labatory, University of Birmingham
Birmingham, West Midlands
2024.08 - 2026.03
- Developed comprehensive lab protocols to maintain consistency in results.
- Assisted in complex experiments when required, contributing to successful outcomes.
- Enhanced data accuracy with meticulous record management system.
- Implemented stricter safety measures, enhancing overall lab safety.
- Coordinated with external parties for procurement of necessary lab supplies.
- Handled incident reports promptly, reducing potential risks and hazards.
- Managed lab equipment maintenance to ensure uninterrupted operations.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning amongst the team members, encouraging professional development.
- Created a balanced schedule for employees that ensured adequate coverage without overworking staff.
- Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations whilst carrying out laboratory tasks.
- Streamlined communication channels within the team, fostering a productive work environment.
- Managed on-site laboratory staff and scheduled rotas to meet operational needs.
- Improved laboratory protocol to meet operational targets, increasing business efficiency.
- Maintained inventories and reordered low-supply stock to meet laboratory requirements.
- Observed laboratory performance to identify strengths and address improvement areas.
- Coordinated health and safety activity for full compliance with COSHH guidelines and risk policies.
- Developed and updated internal guidelines.
- Identified training needs and opportunities to provide Continued Professional Development (CPD) for staff.
Senior Chemist
Chloros Environmental Waste Transfer Station
Hartlebury, Worcestershire
2022.05 - 2024.08
- Executed daily responsibilities with precision and speed.
- Processed incoming loads ensuring correct segregation.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure proper waste disposal.
- Handled waste suitable for blending or treatment prior to disposal.
- Mixed chemicals for utilisation as kiln fuel via tankers.
- Adapted swiftly to new skills to effectively support routine tasks.
- Met deadlines reliably while completing assigned responsibilities.
- Demonstrated respectful and friendly behaviour to assist colleagues.
- Maintained cleanliness of work areas and equipment to uphold hygiene standards.
- Addressed customer concerns to improve satisfaction levels.
- Utilised Microsoft Word and other software to prepare documents and communications.
Senior Science Technician
Droitwich Spa High School and Sixth Form College, Droitwich Spa
Droitwich Spa
2013.01 - 2022.05
- Management of 2 technicians and coordinating daily work schedules.
- Coordinating weekly teacher requests.
- Maintaining stock and ordering if needed.
- Management of departmental budget.
- Yearly stock take of departmental equipment and chemical store.
- Responsible for Health and Safety of department.
- Writing and maintaining risk assessments and COSHH forms.
- Trial new practical’s and record results.
- Demonstrate new practical’s and equipment to technicians and teachers.
- Disposal of waste chemicals.
- Preparation of stock chemicals.
- Preparation and set up of practical’s.
- Delivery of equipment to class rooms and setting up.
- Repair equipment when necessary.
- Carry out administrative tasks.
- Assist teachers.
- Assist with reprographics requests.
Senior Science Technician
Droitwich Spa High School and Sixth Form College, Droitwich Spa
Droitwich Spa
2013.01 - 2022.05
- Management of 2 technicians and coordinating daily work schedules.
- Coordinating weekly teacher requests.
- Maintaining stock and ordering if needed.
- Management of departmental budget.
- Yearly stock take of departmental equipment and chemical store.
- Responsible for Health and Safety of department.
- Writing and maintaining risk assessments and COSHH forms.
- Trial new practical’s and record results.
- Demonstrate new practical’s and equipment to technicians and teachers.
- Disposal of waste chemicals.
- Preparation of stock chemicals.
- Preparation and set up of practical’s.
- Delivery of equipment to class rooms and setting up.
- Repair equipment when necessary.
- Carry out administrative tasks.
- Assist teachers.
- Assist with reprographics requests.
Senior Science Technician
Nunnery Wood High School, Worcester
Worcester
2011.05 - 2013.01
- Management of 3 technicians.
- Management of departmental budget.
- Stock level management and ordering.
- Health and Safety of department.
- Writing risk assessment for experiments and technician activities.
- Preparation of stock chemicals.
- Disposal of waste chemicals.
- Preparation and set up of practical’s.
- Setting up new practical’s and recording results.
- Assisting teachers.
- Repairing equipment.
Science Technician
Droitwich Spa High School and Sixth Form College
Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
2008.11 - 2011.05
- Prepare solutions, materials and cultures for living organisms.
- Construct and modify equipment.
- Trial practical activities.
- Carry out risk assessments for experiments and technician activities.
- Deliver equipment to rooms.
- Disposal of waste chemicals.
- Clean used equipment.
- Maintain, organize and store equipment.
- Check stock records.
- Assist teachers.
- Assist with reprographics.
Science Technician
Bromsgrove Preparatory School
Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
2007.11 - 2008.11
- Setting up and running new teaching laboratory and prep room.
- Preparing solutions.
- Preparing practical’s for lessons.
- Ordering stock.
- Assisting with reprographics.
- Cleaning equipment.
- Carrying out risk assessments for experiments and technician activities.
- Help out in class rooms as required.
- Assist teachers.
Customer Service Assistant
Waitrose
Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
2003.04 - 2007.11
- Assisting customers.
- Replenishing shelves.
- Tidying store after close.
- Reducing stock as necessary.
- Working on tills.
Customer Service Assistant
Waitrose & Partners
Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
2003.04 - 2007.11
- Assisting customers.
- Replenishing shelves.
- Tidying store after close.
- Reducing stock as necessary.
- Working on tills.
Customer Service Assistant
Wilkinsons
Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
2003.04 - 2004.02
- Assisting customers.
- Stock replenishment.
- Tidying store.
Laboratory Technician
Robert Wiseman Dairies
Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
2001.07 - 2002.02
- Testing milk from the production line on an hourly basis.
- Production line tests included coliform and aerobic plate count, protein swabs and salmonella swabs on plant machines.
- Raw milk tests included microscopic count for antibiotics, temperature of milk, cyroscope tests.
- Raising any issues with the laboratory manager.
- Keeping records of test results.
Site Chemist
Betta Special Waste
Worcester, Worcestershire
2000.02 - 2001.07
- Testing waste chemicals using various methods.
- Deciding where waste chemicals should be disposed.
- Liaising with clients and disposal sites.
- Visit potential clients to quote for disposal of their waste.
- Safe packaging of waste followed by collection and transportation to transfer station.
- Carrying out administrative duties.
Science Technician
Alice Ottley School
Worcester, Worcestershire
1999.08 - 2000.02
- Preparing and setting up of experiments.
- Assisting in classes with experiments.
- Raised health and safety and quality issues to Senior Technician.
- Write risk assessments for new experiments and update existing ones.
- Trial practical procedures.
- Disposal of waste chemicals.
- Maintaining and organizing resources.
- Stock recording.
Education
BSc - Chemistry with Environmental Science
University of Kent at Canterbury
1995.09 - 1999.07
Skills
- Laboratory based sciences
- Sample preparation
- Hazardous waste disposal
- Technical leadership
- Strong verbal communication
- Lab equipment operation
- New technique adaptability
- Chemical analysis techniques
- Quick learner
- Good at using own initiative
- Work well under pressure
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to multitask
- Good communication skills
- Works well in a team
- Computer literate
- Laboratory safety awareness
Affiliations
- Archery
- Lego
- Jigsaws
- Cross stitch
- Crochet
- Reading
Timeline
Wet Lab Manager
Collaborative Teaching Labatory, University of Birmingham
2024.08 - 2026.03
Senior Chemist
Chloros Environmental Waste Transfer Station
2022.05 - 2024.08
Senior Science Technician
Droitwich Spa High School and Sixth Form College, Droitwich Spa
2013.01 - 2022.05
Senior Science Technician
Droitwich Spa High School and Sixth Form College, Droitwich Spa
2013.01 - 2022.05
Senior Science Technician
Nunnery Wood High School, Worcester
2011.05 - 2013.01
Science Technician
Droitwich Spa High School and Sixth Form College
2008.11 - 2011.05
Science Technician
Bromsgrove Preparatory School
2007.11 - 2008.11
Customer Service Assistant
Waitrose
2003.04 - 2007.11
Customer Service Assistant
Waitrose & Partners
2003.04 - 2007.11
Customer Service Assistant
Wilkinsons
2003.04 - 2004.02
Laboratory Technician
Robert Wiseman Dairies
2001.07 - 2002.02
Site Chemist
Betta Special Waste
2000.02 - 2001.07
Science Technician
Alice Ottley School
1999.08 - 2000.02
BSc - Chemistry with Environmental Science
University of Kent at Canterbury
1995.09 - 1999.07