Laboratory Technician

The Role

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to support day‑to‑day laboratory operations and experimental work across our research teams. This is a practical, operations‑heavy role requiring strong organisational skills, comfort with laboratory infrastructure, and the ability to work safely and independently in a fast‑moving biotech environment.

You will play a key role in keeping the lab running efficiently, safely, and audit‑ready while also supporting routine experimental activities within Drug Discovery and Functional Genomics.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Equipment:

• Set‑up, routine maintenance, decontamination, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment (e.g. incubators, centrifuges, water baths, microbiological safety cabinets, pipettes)
• Assist with scheduling preventative maintenance and servicing of equipment
• Maintain accurate equipment, calibration, and asset records within the Asset Management System
• Contribute to the organisation, cleanliness, and readiness of laboratory spaces
• Support waste disposal, decontamination processes, and audit readiness

Laboratory Supplies, Deliveries & Infrastructure:

• Handle deliveries of laboratory consumables, equipment, gas cylinders, and dry ice
• Safely handle, transport, and store gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen (LN2), and dry ice
• Perform routine topping‑up of LN2 sample storage tanks
• Procure Human Tissue Act (HTA)‑relevant materials in line with regulatory requirements
• Provide absence cover for the Laboratory Assistant, including lab orders, deliveries, and waste handling

Monitoring, Compliance & Safety:

• Contribute to the management and response processes of the remote temperature monitoring system
• Perform routine mycoplasma testing of cell cultures in line with SOPs and scheduled testing plans
• Accurately record mycoplasma testing results, escalate positive findings, and support any required follow‑up actions
• Adhere to SOPs, risk assessments, and health & safety procedures, ensuring correct PPE use, compliance with safe systems of work, and escalation of any control gaps
• Support completion and periodic review of risk assessments and COSHH assessments relevant to laboratory activities
• Carry out routine laboratory safety checks (e.g. eyewash stations, spill kits, first aid supplies, signage) and raise actions for replenishment or repair
• Support laboratory inductions and ensure required training and documentation are completed before independent work
• Assist with inspections, audits, and general laboratory compliance activities as the company scales

Experimental & Research Support:

• Assist Drug Discovery and Functional Genomics teams with routine laboratory techniques and experiment preparation, aligned with training and experience
• Prepare reagents, buffers, media, and consumables for experimental workflows
• Support cell culture activities, including sample handling, storage, and routine quality checks
• Ensure accurate documentation of laboratory activities and support sample tracking

Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

• A‑level (or equivalent) in Applied Science or a related discipline
• Experience supporting a biotechnology or research laboratory environment
• Practical experience with laboratory equipment and infrastructure
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and cell culture support
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately
• Good organisational and communication skills
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a small, collaborative team

Desirable:

• Experience supporting drug discovery or functional genomics laboratories
• Hands‑on experience performing mycoplasma testing (e.g. PCR‑based, luminescence‑based, or enzymatic assays)
• Experience using:
  • MyAmici procurement and asset management system
  • T‑Scan (or similar) remote temperature monitoring system
• Proficiency in the safe use of gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen (LN2), and dry ice
• Familiarity with HTA and GLP environments

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to handle deliveries of laboratory consumables and equipment
• Ability to safely handle, move, and connect gas cylinders, LN2, and dry ice
• Ability to perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks, including work in low‑level or confined spaces
• Ability to work in cell culture rooms, cold rooms, and LN2 storage environments as required