Laboratory Support Technician

The successful applicants will work as part of a Laboratory Support Department which provides operational support to the three main science buildings across the John Innes Centre, providing an essential service to John Innes Centre scientists.

Duties will include preparation and distribution of sterile media and supplies, washing, drying and distribution of laboratory glassware, processing microbiological waste, and the routine use and maintenance of laboratory support work area equipment, e.g. autoclaves, dishwashers, pH meters, dispensing equipment etc. The post holders will also be responsible for maintaining communal consumable stocks, routine maintenance of equipment, waste disposal and recycling, QA and H&S related tasks and other general laboratory duties.

Laboratory technicians are deployed to JIC science buildings as required by the laboratory supervisors. The local supervisor will be responsible for the day to day management of the technician. Laboratory technicians work with all levels of staff including science staff and students, stores, purchasing and facilities staff, and other staff members in NBI Partnership Ltd.

• Preparation and distribution of media, sterile lab-ware, and consumables (20%)
• Maintaining communal consumable stocks and technical activities such as equipment maintenance, waste disposal and recycling (20%)
• Use of lab equipment, including autoclaves, washers, balances, pH meters, etc. as required (15%)
• Collection, washing and distribution of lab-ware (10%)
• Collection and processing of biological and chemical waste (10%)
• Health and Safety and Quality Assurance procedures (10%)
• Guidance, support and training of staff (10%)
• As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post (5%)

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent at A*-C grade (including English and Maths) – Essential
• 2 A Levels or equivalent – Essential

• Competent in computer skills and file sharing systems – Essential
• Understanding of quality assurance (QA) – Essential
• Sound understanding of Health and Safety – Essential
• Basic knowledge of the preparation of growth media – Desirable

• Previous laboratory experience – Essential
• Experience in a customer service environment – Essential
• Experience in stock management and inventory – Desirable
• Experience of using laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, pH meters, etc. – Desirable

• Good interpersonal skills and demonstrable evidence of ability to integrate well within a small team – Essential
• Ability to act independently and proactively in work situations – Essential
• Strong enthusiasm for, and commitment to, supporting scientific excellence – Essential
• Good organisational and time management skills – Essential
• Good written and verbal communication skills – Essential

• Attention to detail – Essential
• Ability to move large/heavy items such as loaded trolleys, waste receptacles etc. (reasonable adjustments considered for candidates with a disability) – Essential
• Ability to lift small loads up to 13kg at waist/chest height (reasonable adjustments considered for candidates with a disability) – Essential
• Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute – Essential
• Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work – Essential
• Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required – Essential
• Promotes equality and values diversity – Essential

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working…