Laboratory Operations Assistant

Laboratory Operations Assistant - Service Delivery

Reports to: Quadrant Manager (Technical Team Manager)

Details of the role: This is a full-time, permanent post, on Crick terms & conditions.

The working pattern for this role is:

• Mon-Thu 8:00-16:15 and
• Friday 8:00-16:00

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher.

This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We are looking for a Laboratory Operations Assistant to join the Service Delivery Team.

As a member of the Service Delivery team, the Laboratory Operations Assistant (LOA) will provide essential operational support to the research and Science Technology Platform (STP) laboratories across the Francis Crick Institute.

Working closely with our floor and quadrant managers, you’ll support the day-to-day operation and maintenance of our busy science floors, helping to ensure a safe, compliant, and efficient research environment.

Your responsibilities will include the safe management and disposal of laboratory waste, maintaining stocks of consumables, routine cleaning and maintenance of laboratory facilities and equipment, and delivering general laboratory support activities. You’ll play an important role in keeping laboratories organised and ensuring researchers have the support and resources they need.

This is a highly collaborative position and you’ll work as part of a dedicated team of Laboratory Operations Assistants, regularly interacting with researchers, operational staff, and internal service partners.

If you’re interested in developing a career in laboratory operations support, this role offers an excellent pathway.

What you will be doing

As a Laboratory Operations Assistant at the Crick, you will be responsible for:

• Maintaining the organisation and cleanliness of the laboratory areas including the removal of waste.
• Assisting with, or appropriately signposting, general and laboratory queries from Science and other stakeholders, using a variety of communications media (email, Slack etc) to ensure prompt resolution of issues, queries and challenges.
• Stock management of laboratory supplies; including stock checking, updating the online/ electronic stock control book, receiving deliveries and assisting with restocking the store areas. Upholding the chain of custody from the logistics team to the researchers, ensuring cold storage items are stored correctly.
• Manage hazardous materials safely and according to protocols, including preparing hazardous waste for safe disposal.
• Support communal scientific equipment upkeep.
• Assisting with the inventory of chemicals in the laboratories and their safe storage.

About you

You will bring

• Minimum of Mathematics, science and English GCSE and/or experience gained in a relevant technical or service provision role
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.*
• Able to accurately follow work instructions, record information and carry out tasks in a diligent manner.
• A proven ability to work well with a team.
• Self-motivated with a flexible approach and a keen eye for detail. Able to work with minimal supervision using own initiative.
• A good communicator, able to deal confidently and diplomatically with a wide range of people at all levels.
• Ability to respond proactively to contacts in…